Standard Solar Expands Illinois Community Solar Portfolio with Two New Projects from Cenergy Power, Adding Nearly 9 MW of Renewable Capacity
Standard Solar, a leading developer and operator of commercial and community solar projects, has announced the acquisition of two additional community solar arrays in Illinois from Cenergy Power, further solidifying its presence in one of the company’s key growth markets. These latest additions — the Worden project in Worden, Illinois, and the Zion Park District project in Zion, Illinois — collectively add nearly 9 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity to Standard Solar’s growing Illinois portfolio.
The Worden project, located in central Illinois, is a 6.7 MW community solar array featuring single-axis tracker technology. This state-of-the-art system is expected to generate approximately 11,060 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually, enough to power thousands of local homes and businesses while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the Zion Park District project, a 2.4 MW ground-mounted array, is projected to deliver 3,529 MWh of energy per year. Combined, the two projects will supply nearly 15,000 MWh of renewable electricity to the regional grid annually, contributing meaningfully to Illinois’ clean energy goals.
“Community solar projects like Worden and Zion Park District demonstrate the power of strong partnerships and strategic execution in expanding access to clean energy nationwide,” said Megan Byrn, Vice President of Business Development at Standard Solar. “By moving projects from development to operation both efficiently and strategically, we are able to deliver significant cost savings for subscribers, strengthen the local energy grid, and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future.”
The recent acquisitions build on Standard Solar’s earlier investments in Illinois. In March 2025, the company acquired two additional Cenergy-developed sites in Zion and Kankakee County, which collectively added more than 9 MW and produced an estimated 14,000 MWh annually. With the addition of the Worden and Zion Park District projects, Standard Solar’s Illinois portfolio now exceeds 35 community solar projects and nearly 200 MW of total capacity, encompassing owned, operational, under-construction, and contracted projects across the state.
These developments highlight Standard Solar’s commitment to expanding the reach of community solar — a model that allows residents and businesses to subscribe to locally-sited solar energy without installing panels on their own rooftops. Subscribers benefit from lower electricity bills, access to clean energy, and participation in the local renewable energy transition, all while supporting projects that strengthen grid resilience and contribute to regional sustainability efforts.
“Standard Solar continues to set the standard as an exceptional partner in advancing community solar throughout Illinois,” said Chad Chahbazi, Senior Vice President of Project Development at Cenergy Power. “Their approach goes beyond merely acquiring projects. Standard Solar ensures each project’s long-term success through financing expertise, rapid execution, and a committed ownership model. As a result, communities across Illinois can access the benefits of clean energy reliably and affordably. Cenergy is proud to have developed and constructed nearly 20 large-scale distributed solar projects in the state, and we remain dedicated to bringing tangible, community-focused benefits through clean energy development.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, Cenergy Power developed the Worden and Zion Park District projects, while Standard Solar will take over ownership and operation. This partnership ensures the long-term delivery of energy and cost benefits to local residents and businesses, creating a model for sustainable and community-focused solar development. By participating in these community solar programs, local subscribers gain the opportunity to enjoy renewable energy benefits without the upfront cost or logistical challenges of installing individual solar panels.
Illinois has been an important market for community solar growth, thanks in part to supportive state policies and incentive programs aimed at expanding renewable energy access. Projects like Worden and Zion Park District exemplify how private developers, in partnership with strategic operators, can deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits while addressing energy equity issues. By placing solar arrays in community-centered locations and enabling broad subscriber participation, these initiatives make renewable energy more accessible to a wider audience.
“Community solar represents a critical pathway to expanding renewable energy accessibility, particularly for residents and businesses that are unable to install solar panels on their property,” added Byrn. “By increasing the scale of our Illinois portfolio, we are not only contributing to decarbonization efforts but also offering tangible financial benefits to subscribers and the broader community.”
With these additions, Standard Solar continues to advance its mission of making solar energy accessible, affordable, and sustainable across the United States. The company’s approach emphasizes the integration of high-performing technology, strategic site selection, and community engagement, ensuring that each project contributes positively to the energy landscape while delivering measurable returns for subscribers and stakeholders alike.
As the clean energy transition accelerates, partnerships like that of Standard Solar and Cenergy Power play a vital role in expanding renewable energy infrastructure while fostering local community engagement. The combined expertise of both companies ensures that projects are developed efficiently, financed effectively, and operated to maximize environmental and economic benefits over the long term.
By expanding its portfolio with these two new Illinois projects, Standard Solar is further demonstrating its leadership in the community solar sector and reaffirming its commitment to providing broad access to renewable energy. Residents and businesses across Worden, Zion, and surrounding communities can now participate in these programs, helping to reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity costs, and support the broader shift toward sustainable energy.
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