Standard Solar, a major developer and long-term owner of commercial and community solar projects in the United States, has expanded its presence in Illinois with the acquisition of two new community solar installations from Cenergy Power. This move strengthens the company’s position in a state that has quickly become a key hub for community solar growth.
The first of the newly acquired projects, located in Worden, Illinois, is a 6.7-megawatt single-axis tracker community solar array. It is expected to generate around 11,060 megawatt-hours of clean electricity in its first year of operation. The second project, situated in the Zion Park District in Zion, Illinois, is a 2.4-megawatt ground-mounted array projected to produce approximately 3,529 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually. Combined, the two projects will deliver close to 15,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy per year, supporting local energy needs while contributing to Illinois’ renewable energy goals.
Megan Byrn, Vice President of Business Development at Standard Solar, noted that projects like Worden and Zion Park District demonstrate the impact of strong development partnerships and streamlined execution. She emphasized that by quickly moving projects from development into operation, Standard Solar aims to create meaningful cost savings for subscribers, strengthen local grid reliability, and advance the nationwide shift toward more sustainable power systems.
These additions build on Standard Solar’s earlier activity in the state. In March 2025, the company acquired community solar projects in Zion and Kankakee County, also developed by Cenergy, which together totaled more than 9 megawatts of capacity and delivered around 14,000 megawatt-hours annually. With the inclusion of the Worden and Zion Park District sites, Standard Solar’s Illinois portfolio—which includes operating, under-construction, and contracted projects—now exceeds 35 sites and approaches 200 megawatts of total capacity.
Cenergy Power, which developed the newly acquired projects, welcomed the continued partnership. Chad Chahbazi, Senior Vice President of Project Development at Cenergy, commented that Standard Solar stands out not only for acquiring projects but also for ensuring their long-term success. He highlighted their financing capabilities, rapid execution, and commitment to reliable ownership as key factors that make them a strong ally in expanding community solar access throughout Illinois. Cenergy has now developed and built nearly 20 large distributed solar projects across the state.
Under the ownership and operation of Standard Solar, the two new projects will offer long-term benefits for subscribers and local communities. Residents and businesses in the region will be able to subscribe to these community solar projects and lower their electricity bills without needing to install rooftop solar systems of their own. This model continues to expand access to clean, affordable energy for households and organizations across Illinois.
