Public Storage intends to develop 60 rooftop community solar projects over the next two years with Solar Landscape in northern Illinois. The projects within ComEd territory will deliver 44 MW of power to the grid.
A Solar Landscape project at a Public Storage facility
“With demand for power rising faster than supply, community solar sites like this one offer a clean energy solution that can help close the supply gap and offer bill savings for customers,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “By year end, we expect to have some 400 community solar installations across ComEd’s northern Illinois territory, making this region a national leader in developing a renewable resource that has a key role to play in delivering clean, affordable power over the long term.”
The expansion of new community solar sites is supported by Illinois’ clean energy policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Renewable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act. Solar Landscape is also a long-time partner of Public Storage.
“Commercial rooftops represent one of the fastest, most scalable opportunities to expand the electric grid using infrastructure that already exists,” said Shaun Keegan, CEO of Solar Landscape. “By partnering with ComEd and Public Storage, we’re transforming underutilized real estate into energy infrastructure that lowers electricity costs for Illinois families while helping meet the region’s growing demand for power. This portfolio demonstrates how utilities, property owners and private capital can work together to deploy clean energy at meaningful scale.”
The projects will also create local jobs and expand career opportunities. Construction is expected to support approximately 300 jobs, while workforce partners, including STEP-UP Solar, the Chicago Urban League, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), YouthBuild Lake County and other Illinois YouthBuild programs, are preparing Illinois residents for careers in the growing clean energy industry. Since 2024, STEP-UP Solar and its partners have trained 139 individuals for careers in the solar industry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will also play a key role in building the skilled local workforce needed to deliver these projects and support Illinois’ growing clean energy economy.
“Our facilities play an integral role in the communities we serve, and we are committed to extending the lasting benefits of our footprint through consumer affordability and green energy,” said Nathan Vitan, Chief Legal Officer and executive sponsor for sustainability at Public Storage. “Public Storage maintains the largest solar energy program in our industry, expected to expand to 1,300 of our properties by the end of 2026. We’re proud to partner with ComEd and Solar Landscape to demonstrate how commercial properties can deliver maximum value as community assets.”
News item from ComEd
