Nexamp is partnering with Starbucks, which as a long-term renewable energy buyer will anchor the deployment of 40 MW across six community solar farms in Illinois.
The solar projects are expected to serve 1,100 local residents signed up within the ComEd and Ameren utility areas.
Construction and operation of these projects include roles for participants in Nexamp’s fellowship programs, created through partnerships with organizations such as City Colleges of Chicago, the Chicago Urban League, Uplift Community High School, 22C and other Future Energy Jobs Act job training organizations.
“Community solar is a perfect way for retailers to make progress on their own sustainability goals while playing a role in building out renewable energy sources that can directly benefit their own customers,” said Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp.
“That was the case with Starbucks, which shares our vision of equal access for community members. Climate change is one of the most important issues of our time and we can only make meaningful progress on decarbonization if companies come together to develop impactful, inclusive solutions.”
Starbucks will receive a portion of the project’s RECs to support Nexamp’s operations in Illinois.
Construction of the solar projects has begun and is expected to come online next year.
