New Energy Equity and Harlem Consolidated School District Launch a 5.54 MW Community Solar Project

New Energy Equity's Partnership with Harlem Consolidated School District

In an exciting development for renewable energy, New Energy Equity, a prominent player in the solar project sector, has announced a strategic partnership with the Harlem Consolidated School District in Illinois. This collaboration aims to establish a 5.54 MWdc community solar energy project, anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits and promote sustainability within the district and its surrounding areas.

The project, initially developed by BOW Renewables, is set on land owned by the school district. It promises to deliver significant savings on electricity costs for both the district and local residential customers in the Commonwealth Edison service area. This initiative marks a notable milestone, being New Energy Equity's inaugural involvement in Illinois' Public Schools Program, an essential component of the state's Adjustable Block Program (ABP) focused on fostering renewable energy growth.

The implementation of the solar project is projected to greatly offset the energy requirements of the Harlem Consolidated School District, which serves over 39,000 students across 11 schools. Beyond benefitting the school infrastructure directly, the project is designed to enhance renewable energy access for the broader area, thereby supporting a collective commitment to environmental sustainability and stewards of clean energy.

By participating in this clean energy initiative, the district and residents are not only contributing to Illinois' transition to renewable sources but are also poised to enjoy both financial and environmental advantages.

In a statement regarding the collaboration, Jackie Chambers, Chief Investment Officer at New Energy Equity, expressed enthusiasm about working with the Harlem Consolidated School District to set a precedent for environmental responsibility. She emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, “This project illustrates the impactful results of teamwork, enabling public educational institutions and local communities to take significant actions towards a sustainable future.”

Bryan Segarra, Director of Development at BOW Renewables, also conveyed his optimism regarding New Energy Equity's leadership in this project, highlighting its potential for meaningful local impact and alignment with Illinois' clean energy objectives. The excitement surrounding the new solar project is echoed by the Harlem Consolidated School District, which anticipates that it will lead to advantageous outcomes for students, families, and the local community at large.

New Energy Equity, as a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE: ALE), specializes in the development and financing of solar power initiatives, managing over 550 MW of solar projects and securing more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments. Their focus remains on providing sustainable electricity solutions to a diverse range of clients, including commercial, industrial, and municipal entities.

BOW Renewables, founded in 2018 by industry veterans, is dedicated to meeting America’s energy demands through renewable sources. They strive to deliver expertise across all phases of renewable energy projects, including development, permitting, and construction.

In conclusion, the Harlem Consolidated School District solar project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to energy sustainability, creating opportunities for public institutions and local residents to benefit substantially in terms of environmental impact and economic savings. As New Energy Equity continues to lead in clean energy solutions, this partnership stands as a promising model for future community-driven energy projects across the country.