In 2024, the Sycamore Park District in Sycamore, IL, embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its sustainability initiatives by installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The project was financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), allowing the Park District to leverage renewable energy without the upfront capital investment typically required for solar installations.
Project Goals: The primary objectives of the Sycamore Park District’s solar project included.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of park operations.
- Lowering energy costs and stabilizing long-term energy expenditures.
- Promoting renewable energy awareness within the community.
- The Park District agreed to purchase the electricity generated by the solar system at a predetermined rate, typically lower than their existing utility rate.
- The agreement includes performance guarantees, ensuring that the system operates at expected efficiency levels.
Project Details:
- System Size: 110 kW
- Anticipated Annual Production: 123,753 kWh/yr
- Annual Environmental Impact: The solar system will offset the facility’s carbon footprint by 86 tons, equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 9,728 gallons of gasoline
- Role: Developer & EPC
