New Illinois Law Allows Park Districts to Enter Solar Agreements

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
July 13, 2023

Illinois park districts can enter into agreements for solar energy after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation into law in late June.

Pritzker signed H.B. 2192 into law on June 30. The law allows park districts to enter into a lease, contract, or other agreement related to the acquisition of solar energy, including the installation, maintenance, and service of solar panels, equipment, or similar technology related to solar energy.

In the wake of the governor’s action, the Wilmette Park District moved to finalize a pending contract with Verde Solutions, a Chicago-based solar company for the installation of a roof-top solar array at its Community Recreation Center, Verde Solutions said on July 11.

Verde Solutions said it is installing the project at no upfront cost to the Wilmette Park District.

The district anticipates significant savings on electricity costs for decades to come, according to the solar firm.