Standard Solar Accelerates Growth in Illinois with 39 MW Community Solar Portfolio Acquisition from New Leaf Energy

Standard Solar, a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner, has acquired a 39-megawatt (MW) community solar portfolio in Illinois from New Leaf Energy, an experienced developer of clean energy projects. 

This latest addition significantly expands Standard Solar’s footprint in the state, bringing its total number of owned, operational, in-construction and contracted projects in Illinois to more than 30, totaling 150 MW.

The newly acquired portfolio comprises five community solar projects in towns across Illinois: Blackstone, Braceville, Dwight, Seneca and Wadsworth. The projects use a mix of single-axis tracker and ground mount technology, and are collectively expected to produce more than 46,700 MWh of clean energy in their first year of operation.

“This acquisition from New Leaf Energy reinforces our commitment to expanding access to solar in Illinois and reflects the strong working relationship we’ve built through multiple successful transactions,” said Harry Benson, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar. “It also marks another key addition to our growing portfolio, highlighting our focus on acquiring high-quality, strategic assets.”

“Through our strong partnership with Standard, we are proud to deliver another 39 megawatts of clean, reliable, and renewable energy to communities across Illinois, and advance our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future,” said Kate Vann, Project Finance Director, New Leaf Energy.

The five community solar projects will allow residents and businesses to subscribe to clean, renewable energy and receive credits on their electricity bills, making solar accessible to those who cannot install solar panels on their property.

“New Leaf Energy has been an exceptional partner, and this marks nearly 30 successful transactions together,” said Mike Streams, Chief Development Officer, Standard Solar. “It underscores our strength as a competitive financial partner and reliable owner-operator in community solar, as well as our ongoing commitment to working with motivated partners to accelerate the clean energy transition through ready-to-build projects.” 

“At New Leaf Energy, we’re proud to support Illinois’s clean energy goals by delivering high-quality, community-focused solar projects. This portfolio reflects our commitment to advancing the energy transition through strategic partnerships and disciplined project execution,” said Andrew Kraczkiewicz, Vice President, New Leaf Energy. “Partnering with communities and innovators who share our vision is central to our mission of accelerating the transition to a world powered by renewable energy.”

The newly acquired projects align with Illinois’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, as outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The company also recently announced that it has acquired two more community solar projects in Illinois from Cenergy Power, totaling more than 9 megawatts (MW).

Standard Solar | standardsolar.com

New Leaf Energy | newleafenergy.com