Public Storage plans to develop 60 rooftop community solar projects with Solar Landscape in northern Illinois over the next two years. These projects within ComEd's jurisdiction will deliver 44 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

As electricity demand grows faster than supply, community solar projects like this provide a clean energy solution that helps fill the supply gap and save customers on electricity bills, "said Jill Quinones, President and CEO of ComEd. By the end of the year, it is expected that there will be approximately 400 community solar projects within ComEd's Northern Illinois jurisdiction, making the region a national leader in developing renewable energy that plays a critical role in providing clean, affordable electricity in the long term. ”

The expansion of new community solar projects has received support from Illinois' clean energy policies, including the Climate and Fair Employment Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Renewable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). Solar Landscape is also a long-term partner of Public Storage.

Sean Keegan, CEO of Solar Landscape, said, "Commercial rooftops represent one of the fastest and most scalable opportunities to expand the power grid using existing infrastructure." "By partnering with ComEd and Public Storage, underutilized real estate can be transformed into energy infrastructure, reducing electricity bills for Illinois households while helping to meet the growing electricity demand in the region. This investment portfolio demonstrates how utility companies, homeowners, and private capital can work together to deploy clean energy on a meaningful scale. ”

The project will also create local employment opportunities and expand career development space. It is expected that the construction industry will support approximately 300 jobs, and partners including STEP-UP Solar, Chicago City Alliance, Hispanic American Building Industry Association (HACIA), Youth Construction Lake County Branch, and other Illinois youth construction projects are preparing Illinois residents to enter the growing clean energy industry. Since 2024, STEP-UP Solar and its partners have provided vocational training in the solar industry to 139 individuals. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will also play a key role in cultivating the skilled local workforce needed to deliver these projects and support Illinois' growing clean energy economy.

Facilities play an indispensable role in serving communities, committed to continuing the lasting benefits created through consumer affordability and green energy, "said Nathan Vitan, Chief Legal Officer and Executive Founder of Sustainable Development at Public Storage. Public Storage has the largest solar project in the industry and is expected to expand to 1300 properties by the end of 2026.