Toyota Boshoku America (TBA), in partnership with Onyx Renewables and key collaborators, has successfully completed a 5.7-megawatt solar energy project designed to meet 85% of the electricity needs at TBA’s Illinois manufacturing facility. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate this milestone, featuring remarks from TBA leadership, local business representatives, and project partners including Sol Systems and Nelnet Renewable Energy. The project represents a major advancement in TBA’s commitment to sustainability, clean energy adoption, and long-term cost savings.
Amid rising energy prices and the increasing urgency to reduce carbon emissions, manufacturers across the U.S. are pursuing cleaner, more stable energy solutions. Recognizing these imperatives, TBA collaborated with Sol Systems to develop a solar farm adjacent to the Toyota Boshoku Illinois (TBIL) facility in Lawrenceville. Sol Systems originated and developed the project, optimizing its design to maximize power generation from the nearby land. The project was then acquired by Onyx Renewables, which structured a power purchase agreement (PPA) allowing TBA to benefit from immediate energy cost reductions without any upfront capital investment.
Anna Toenjes, Associate Vice President of Impact & Business Development at Sol Systems, said in a statement, “This project is a testament to what’s possible when manufacturers, clean energy developers, and local communities work together toward shared goals. From Day 1, Toyota Boshoku brought vision and dedication to the table, and we’re proud to have developed a project that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits — from long-term energy savings to workforce development and pollinator-friendly land use.”
Kenji Sugito, TBIL President, stated, “We see it as our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. With the installation of a large-scale solar panel system at our U.S. facility, we’re taking a clear step toward more sustainable manufacturing. We remain committed to environmentally conscious practices that support a better future.”
Ryan Hunt, Vice President of TBA, added, “This project reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and our dedication to supporting the communities where we operate. It is also a significant step towards our goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We’re proud to partner with companies like Onyx, Sol Systems, and Nelnet to bring clean, reliable energy to Lawrenceville.”
The solar installation spans roughly 17 acres and is expected to generate over 9.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in its first year of operation. It marks TBA’s largest on-site solar array to date and reflects a significant step in the company’s broader carbon neutrality objectives. Onyx Renewables, a major developer and operator of clean energy infrastructure, led the project’s final development and construction and will continue to own and operate the system to ensure consistent delivery of clean, affordable power to the facility.
Patty Rollin, Chief Commercial Officer at Onyx Renewables, commented, “This is the kind of collaborative clean energy development that drives real progress and public support. Together with our partners, we are thrilled to deliver a project that reduces emissions, lowers energy costs, and sets a high standard for workforce development.”
Alyssa Martin, President of Nelnet Renewable Energy, mentioned, “From the beginning, it was clear that Onyx and Toyota Boshoku America wanted to go above and beyond to set a new standard for solar development that included local jobs and job training. The project represents a replicable model for how other manufacturers can meet their energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.”
Nelnet Renewable Energy, serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, played a vital role in the system’s development. Together with Onyx, the team emphasized workforce development and environmental responsibility by reserving at least 15% of project labor for qualified apprentices and ensuring the payment of prevailing wages. Additionally, Sol Systems committed to creating a pollinator-friendly habitat surrounding the solar array, with plant species selected in consultation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to boost biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
The project also received additional federal support due to its location in an “energy community”—a designation based on the area’s relative unemployment and fossil fuel employment statistics. This initiative not only contributes to clean energy goals but also provides economic and environmental benefits to the local community, exemplifying the collaborative potential of industry and sustainability-focused development.
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