Castillo Engineering has been selected by Summit Ridge Energy, a commercial solar contractor, to provide design and engineering services on an 82-MW portfolio of 26 community solar projects in Illinois. Part of the Illinois Shines or Adjustable Block Program, each of the community solar projects, averaging at 3 MW, will use bifacial solar modules mounted on single-axis solar trackers.

In addition to providing more affordable, clean energy to residents and businesses that previously did not have access to solar energy, the majority of these projects will also provide pollinator-friendly habitats. Many of the projects will begin construction in Q1 2024 and are expected to be completed by Q4 2024. Castillo Engineering and Summit Ridge Energy will have partnered on 120 projects totaling over 375 MW throughout the country once this portfolio is complete, and expect to have 500 MW of capacity by the end of 2024.

“We chose to work with Castillo Engineering on this portfolio of projects due to their extensive community solar experience within Illinois, their Project Management Office, as well as their highly customized solutions,” said Pradeep Mohanraj, VP of engineering at Summit Ridge Energy. “Throughout our longstanding relationship, Castillo Engineering has provided Summit Ridge and our EPC partners with critical feedback on design improvements, product selection and innovative value engineering ideas, among other deliverables, that enable us to build these projects on schedule and on budget.”

Community solar capacity in the United States is expected to increase from about 6 GW in 2023 to 14 GW by 2028, according to an analysis from Wood Mackenzie. Illinois is now ranked as the fourth largest U.S. state in terms of community solar operating capacity.

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with an industry leader like Summit Ridge Energy on this additional portfolio of impactful community solar projects in Illinois,” said Christopher Castillo, CEO at Castillo Engineering. “Summit Ridge Energy’s extensive experience in the local zoning approval process, interconnection processes and proven track record in Illinois is unmatched. We look forward to continuing to work alongside them to provide more affordable renewable energy and cleaner air to local communities that previously did not have access to solar energy systems.”

News item from Castillo Engineering