ROCKFORD, Ill. – At a ribbon‑cutting ceremony Thursday morning, the Village of Cherry Valley officially opened its first community solar farm. The 34‑acre array, located just off Sandy Hollow Road and bordered by Highway 39/90 and a railroad, will generate enough electricity to power roughly 700 homes in the village.
How the program works
Vincent Moschella, chief development officer for ECA Power, explained that any ComEd customer can subscribe – whether a homeowner, renter, business owner, nonprofit or faith‑based organization such as a small church. Subscribers will receive credits on their electric bills, translating to an estimated 10% savings, or about one month’s worth of electricity costs.
Local officials praise the project
Village Administrator Jim Claeyssen called the solar farm a “win‑win” for Cherry Valley, noting that the site does not impact residential properties and sits in a non‑residential zone. He said the project also brings a $150,000 grant from ECA Solar, which will be used to install a couple of electric‑vehicle charging stations in downtown Cherry Valley.
Although some residents initially expressed hesitation, Claeyssen said the first Planning and Zoning Commission meeting helped win over skeptics once they saw the location and the benefits the farm would provide.
State support and legislation
State Rep. Maurice West (D‑67) highlighted the project as a concrete example of recent Illinois legislation that encourages community solar development. He praised the bill known as the Community Renewable Generation Act (CRGA), which gave developers confidence to bring solar projects to local communities. West emphasized that the program helps renters and low‑income households who cannot install solar panels on their own properties.
Economic and environmental impact
The solar farm is expected to create clean energy for 700 Cherry Valley homes, reducing reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based power and lowering overall emissions. In addition to the direct bill savings for participants, the project signals a growing commitment to renewable energy in the region and may attract further green investments.
Local businesses stand to benefit as well. By participating in the community solar program, they can lower operating costs, freeing up resources for hiring and expansion. The upcoming EV‑charging stations also position downtown Cherry Valley as a forward‑looking hub for electric‑vehicle owners.
Next steps for residents
Residents and businesses interested in joining the program are encouraged to contact the Cherry Valley administration for enrollment details. As Rep. West noted, the initiative is not about “the haves or have‑nots” but about providing affordable, clean energy to everyone in the community.
With the solar farm now operational, Cherry Valley joins a growing list of Illinois municipalities embracing community solar as a practical, cost‑saving, and environmentally responsible solution.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
