Summit Ridge Energya commercial solar energy company, and Energy partners trajectoryan Illinois-based community solar developer, broke ground on the Rock Cut Solar project in Rockford, Illinois. The project, owned and operated by Summit Ridge, is a 6.2 MW Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) project developed by Trajectory and is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2025.
“We are pleased to take the first step in the Rock Cut Solar project. It is a unique project that shows how transformative sustainable energy solutions can be, especially when the community is united in a shared vision and purpose,” said Mark Raeder, director. from Summit Ridge. “This project is a perfect example of Summit Ridge’s commitment to community-driven solar initiatives, which deliver clean energy to communities that might otherwise be left out of the clean energy revolution. Just as importantly, through projects like these we can create local jobs and reduce energy costs for residents. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
As a CDCS project, Rock Cut Solar’s goal is to create a partnership with Rockford and Winnebago County, fostering a stronger connection between the community and solar energy. Rock Cut Solar Partnership, a team of local community members involved in the project’s development from the beginning and who remain involved today, are helping ensure project benefits are focused on Rockford and Winnebago County.
The Rock Cut Solar Partnership includes two organizations that will collaborate long-term on the project: Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity and Get Connected 815, both of which are addressing critical housing and employment issues in Rockford and Winnebago County.
The project will be built using local union labor. Once the project starts, residents who have subscribed to the project can expect savings on their monthly energy bills.
“It is gratifying to see that bills we pass in the state Legislature are translating into real-world projects that not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also deliver cost savings to local energy consumers,” said Senator Steve Stadelma. “State investments in solar technology and resulting community solar projects like this produce green jobs that contribute to local economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
This is Summit Ridge and Trajectory Energy Partners’ thirteenth project together, all aimed at delivering utility savings to communities across Illinois.
“Trajectory Energy Partners has been working in the Rockford region since 2017, when we first developed a community solar project in the City of Rockford. In 2022, we assembled a small project team of community members and organizations to assist in our community engagement efforts for Rock Cut Solar. Trajectory is proud to partner with such dedicated Rockford residents who exemplify the ‘community-driven’ aspect of community solar, and we’re excited to break ground today,” said Jon Carson, Founder and managing partner of Trajectory Energy Partners. “In addition to delivering cost savings to Winnebago County residents who subscribe to the project, the project will bring jobs to the Rockford area and more clean energy to the ComEd network. Rock Cut Solar is a great example of how impactful solar energy is for the Illinois community.”
News release from Summit Ridge Energy
