Summit Ridge Energy has selected Castillo Engineering to provide design and engineering services on an 82 MW portfolio of 26 community solar projects in Illinois.
Part of the Illinois Shines or Adjustable Block Program, each of the average 3 MW community solar projects will use bifacial solar modules mounted on single-axis solar trackers. In addition to providing more affordable, clean energy to residents and businesses that previously did not have access to solar energy, the majority of these projects will also provide pollinator-friendly habitats.
Many of the projects will begin construction in Q1 2024 and are expected to be completed by Q4 2024. Once complete, Castillo and Summit Ridge will have completed more than 120 projects, totaling over 375 MW, throughout the country together.
“We chose to work with Castillo Engineering on this portfolio of projects due to their extensive community solar experience within Illinois, their Project Management Office, as well as their highly customized solutions,” said Pradeep Mohanraj, VP of engineering at Summit Ridge. “Throughout our longstanding relationship, Castillo Engineering has provided Summit Ridge and our EPC partners with critical feedback on design improvements, product selection, and innovative value engineering ideas, among other deliverables, that enable us to build these projects on schedule and on budget.”
Community solar capacity in the U.S. is expected to continue growing rapidly, with total capacity expected to increase from about 6 GW in 2023 to 14 GW by 2028, according to an analysis from Wood Mackenzie. Illinois is now ranked as the fourth largest U.S. state in terms of community solar operating capacity. Collectively, Summit Ridge Energy and Castillo Engineering will have a community solar portfolio of over 500 MW in Illinois by the end of 2024.
“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with an industry leader like Summit Ridge Energy on this additional portfolio of impactful community solar projects in Illinois,” said Christopher Castillo, CEO at Castillo Engineering. “Summit Ridge Energy’s extensive experience in the local zoning approval process, interconnection processes and proven track record in Illinois is unmatched.”
Tags: Castillo Engineering, Community Solar, Illinois Shines, Summit Ridge Energy
