Starbucks Joins Forces with Nexamp to Boost Community Solar Initiatives in Illinois

Nexamp, the nation’s largest community solar provider, has announced a new partnership with Starbucks to advance renewable energy in Illinois. Starbucks will support the deployment of over 40 Megawatts of solar power through a long-term renewable electricity purchase agreement. This initiative will lead to the development of six new community solar projects within Nexamp’s Illinois portfolio.

These projects are set to offer substantial electricity savings to more than 1,100 local residents who subscribe to the community solar program in the ComEd and Ameren utility regions. In addition to the environmental benefits, the solar farms are expected to generate several hundred new jobs. This includes positions created through Nexamp’s fellowship programs, which are supported by partnerships with organizations like City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Urban League.

Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to its environmental goals. “We’re proud to support Nexamp’s efforts to bring community solar into areas where it can have the most impact and make savings opportunities available to community members,” Kobori said.

Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership. “Community solar allows retailers like Starbucks to advance their sustainability objectives while also contributing to renewable energy development that benefits their customers,” Ashai stated. He noted that Starbucks’ involvement aligns with Nexamp’s vision of equitable access to clean energy.

Under the agreement, Starbucks will receive a portion of the renewable electricity credits, with the remaining capacity allocated to local residents and businesses through Nexamp’s community solar program. The construction of the solar projects has commenced, with operations expected to start in 2025. Nexamp and Starbucks aim to expand this initiative to additional locations across the U.S. in the future.