Onyx Renewables Partners with Sol Systems to Enhance Illinois Wastewater Treatment Energy Efficiency

Onyx Renewables and Sol Systems Join Forces for Solar Energy Project in Illinois

In an exciting development for clean energy, Onyx Renewables has partnered with Sol Systems to mark the beginning of a substantial solar project at the Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) in Illinois. This initiative aims to establish a 2.5-megawatt (MW) onsite solar energy system designed to significantly enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs at the wastewater treatment facility.

The groundbreaking took place on March 19, 2025, with representatives from Onyx, Sol Systems, Verde Solutions, and UCSD celebrating this pivotal moment. Construction for the solar project is set to commence this spring, with expectations for it to provide a substantial amount of clean energy for the facility. The plant is projected to produce over 4,100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in its first year of operation, a substantial amount that will not only power the facility but also create credits to further subsidize its energy costs.

"This project underscores our commitment to boosting onsite solar in the Midwest," said a spokesperson from Onyx Renewables. The initiative is supported by favorable programs like Illinois Shines, which incentivizes clean energy developments and promotes job creation in the region.

Onyx Renewables will oversee the entire process, from development to operation, ensuring that UCSD benefits from stable, low-cost electricity through a long-lasting power purchase agreement. The highlights of this agreement are the monetization of renewable energy credits (RECs), which will further support the initiative’s sustainability goals. Sol Systems originally developed the project and will continue to work closely with Onyx throughout its lifecycle. Verde Solutions will act as the engineering and construction partner, handling vital design and permitting processes for the project.

"We are proud to partner with UCSD, having already established a strong relationship over previous years," remarked Anna Toenjes, Associate Vice President of Impact Business Development at Sol Systems. "With this project, we will provide affordable local electricity to help manage needs sustainably over a 15-year span. Furthermore, we are excited to launch a scholarship through a partnership with Parkland College, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact beyond energy projects alone."

Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx, emphasized the tailored approach they’ve developed for UCSD to ensure overall satisfaction and reliable power. Post construction, Onyx will maintain a close relationship with UCSD, providing consistent electricity over the years. Rick Manner, Executive Director of UCSD, shared enthusiasm about the upcoming project, stating that it fulfills their long-standing goal for economical energy solutions. The Solar Power Purchase Agreement will enable UCSD to cover approximately 85% of their facility's electricity needs from onsite production without any up-front costs.

Additionally, the project is part of a larger $35.9 million expansion initiative funded by a low-interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, set to wrap up by 2027. This comprehensive upgrade includes not only the solar energy system but other enhancements like more efficient combined heat and power units geared towards fortifying the electricity needs for the treatment plants.

In conclusion, this infrastructure improvement profoundly illustrates the ongoing transition to green energy at municipal facilities and highlights the interconnectedness of community investment, environmental responsibility, and economic development. Onyx Renewables and Sol Systems are paving the way for clean energy adoption, and this project is a testament to their commitment to creating sustainable energy solutions.