Cherry Valley – November 06, 2026 -- The 7.4-megawatt (MWdc) Rockford Community Energy Initiative in Cherry Valley, Illinois, is now delivering power. It is one of the largest community solar projects in ComEd's service territory, and subscribers can cut their electricity bills by up to 10%.
Project covers 33.9 acres and supplies more than 1,100 ComEd customers
The solar array in Winnebago County generates enough electricity to power more than 1,100 ComEd customers. Households, renters and small businesses across ComEd's territory can subscribe through the community solar program without installing rooftop panels.
ECA Power, a 100% employee-owned solar and energy storage developer, built the project. Luminace is the project owner and operator, and Miller Bros. was the construction partner.
State legislators attend ribbon-cutting after years of renewable energy lawmaking
State Sen. Steve Stadelman and State Rep. Maurice West joined representatives of ECA Power, Luminace, ComEd, Miller Bros. and local community leaders at the ceremony. Stadelman said the General Assembly has spent several years passing legislation to incentivize renewable projects, and that it is "exciting" to see that work become development on the ground.
ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones described the utility's role as connecting such projects to the grid to support continued clean energy growth in the region. ComEd serves more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois.
ECA Power commits $150,000 to a Cherry Valley EV charging station
Under its community benefit agreement with the Village of Cherry Valley, ECA Power contributed $150,000 toward the buildout, operation and maintenance of an EV charging station.
The site sits in a state-designated R3 area, which Illinois targets for revitalization. According to the developer, the project brings new tax revenue and long-term infrastructure investment to the area in addition to lower bills for subscribers.