PureSky Energy has announced the full operation of its 1.98 MWDC McLean 1 Community Solar project in McLean County, Illinois, marking the company’s first solar project launched in the state.
Developed under the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program, the community solar project is dedicated entirely to low- and moderate-income households. Subscribers participating in the program are eligible for guaranteed savings equivalent to 50% of the value of their solar credits, helping reduce monthly electricity costs.
The project comprises approximately 3,364 high-efficiency solar modules and is expected to generate around 3.13 million kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to powering approximately 439 households each year.
McLean 1 is also expected to avoid approximately 4.6 million pounds of CO₂ emissions annually. Over its 30-year operating period, the project is estimated to generate approximately $5.4 million in total savings for participating customers.
Nicholas Topping, Vice President of Community Solar at PureSky Energy, said the launch represents an important milestone for the company’s expansion in Illinois and its efforts to provide income-eligible households with access to the benefits of renewable energy.
The project has been developed in partnership with local organizations, including the Ecology Action Center and Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, with the project expected to provide electricity cost savings and support energy resilience in central Illinois.
Beyond customer bill savings, McLean 1 is expected to contribute to the local economy through construction and ongoing operations, increase the county tax base and support biodiversity through pollinator-friendly land management practices.
PureSky Energy said community solar projects such as McLean 1 can expand access to renewable energy without requiring customers to install rooftop solar systems or make upfront investments. The company added that such projects can help ensure that the benefits of Illinois’ clean energy transition reach low- and moderate-income households.
