Is solar still the way to go for reducing utility costs at Homewood-Flossmoor Park District sites?
The federal government has reduced projects or eliminated tax benefits for solar projects, so investing could be risky, but Illinois is supporting solar through its Illinois Shines legislation. There is a bit of caution, however, because some of the program’s money comes from federal sources that could be reduced or eliminated.
Illinois has a 2030 goal that 40% of the state’s energy needs will come from renewable sources. Solar provides a clean and reliable source of electricity that helps reduce energy expenses and greenhouse gases.
At the Oct. 7 park board meeting, commissioners revisited the topic of placing solar panels on the roofs of the H-F Ice Arena and the H-F Racquet & Fitness Center. Cheryl Vargo, manager of Irons Oaks, has been conducting research since 2024.
In her latest report, Vargo said the Ice Arena’s roof can only accommodate approximately 600 solar panels limiting the benefit to just 31% of energy needs. The park district would get a greater benefit from placing solar on the Racquet & Fitness Center. The roof is flat and would allow for more than 1,200 solar panels expected to collect 100% of RFC’s energy needs.
Both buildings need new roofs and park district commissioners are considering solar as a way to both get new roofs and reduce energy costs.
Under the current proposal before the board, General Energy Corporation of Schaumburg would manage the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the park district. It would be responsible for having the new membrane-style roof at RFC installed, but at park district expense. The company will be responsible for installing and maintaining the solar panels for 20 years. The PPA would work directly with ComEd to get the solar panels connected to the grid. The PPA gets all the tax credits and grant funding for solar.
When the 20-year agreement expires, the park district would have the option of purchasing the solar panels, or the PPA would be responsible for removing them.
Utility costs at RFC between May 2024 and April 2025 totaled $95,500 for 777,700 kilowatt hours (kWh) . Estimates are the the solar panels will create 780,950 kWh.
Vargo said several park districts and municipalities are in the process of converting to solar. She will continue to monitor their progress. Under legislation, if the park district starts its solar project before July 4, it would benefit from tax credits (for the PPA) and have four years to complete it. If the project starts after July 4, the tax rules and time limits will change.
