Author Posts

When Worlds Collide: Criminalization, Incarceration, and the Real Barriers to Equity in Illinois’ Clean Energy Economy

By Patrick A. Weller “God, what does one do when their worlds collide? Go on to one’s own end—or on to something great.I’ll go on to something great…SOL POWER” — Patrick A. Weller I was naive. Naive to believe that the biggest barriers facing Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs) in Illinois were lack of bonding capacity […]

SOL POWER Throws Up a $462K Equitable Energy Future Grant Application Buzzer Beater

SOL POWER Throws Up a $462K Buzzer Beater at 11:45 PM: Round 2 Equitable Energy Future Grant Program Secured, Eyes $1M for Cor Mariae Redevelopment in the City of Rockford. As the clock ticked down on New Year’s Eve 2024, most people were pouring champagne. At SOL POWER MIDWEST, we were pouring over final grant […]

Home Repairs and Upgrades: Preparing Your Home for Solar

Many Illinois homeowners require roof or electrical repairs before installing solar panels. The Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative, offered through the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program, connects residents with funding opportunities to prepare their homes for solar installation. This initiative helps homeowners access clean, renewable energy while maintaining safe, sustainable living spaces. How It […]

SOL POWER Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Standard Offer

At SOL POWER, we are proud to offer the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Standard Offer, a state-funded initiative designed to make solar energy accessible, affordable, and impactful for income-eligible residents and property owners. By participating in this program, you can reduce your energy costs, contribute to a greener future, and join a community dedicated […]

Spotlight on Accuracy: Correcting a Mathematical Error in the ILSFA Approved Vendor Manual

At SOL POWER MIDWEST, we take pride in our accuracy, transparency, and dedication to the communities we serve. As Illinois’ sole ILSFA Approved Vendor for the Bright Neighborhoods Initiative, serving Chicago’s West Side, our mission is to deliver affordable solar energy solutions to more than 1,500 income-eligible residents in Austin, Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, […]

SOL POWER Partners with Third City Properties to Lead Clean Energy Transformation in Chicago’s Austin Community with Geothermal and Solar PV in Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Redevelopment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOL POWER’s EquiESCO Clean Jobs Program partners with Third City Properties to transform Chicago’s Austin Community with geothermal and solar PV in affordable housing. Rockford, IL — November 21, 2024 — SOL POWER MIDWEST LLC and Third City Properties LLC have partnered to undertake an ambitious redevelopment project to transform a long-vacant, 18,750-square-foot building into an […]

Empowering the Austin Community with SOL POWER’s DOL RAP On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs

At SOL POWER, we are committed to driving sustainable change in equity investment-eligible communities, and our DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) combined with On-the-Job Training (OJT) is central to that mission. Our efforts in communities like Rockford, IL, and Chicago West Side neighborhoods—such as Austin, Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, […]

Tesla Backup Switch Approved for ComEd Territory, Providing Reliable Backup Power for Illinois Residents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tesla Backup Switch Approved for ComEd Territory, Providing Reliable Backup Power for Illinois Residents Rockford, IL — Residents across ComEd territory in Illinois can now benefit from the Tesla Backup Switch, recently approved for installation with a CECHA-certified designation. A CECHA-approved sticker will accompany each Backup Switch installation, signaling full compliance with [...]

Join SOL POWER in Bridging the Skills Gap: Empower the Future of Renewable Energy!

In today’s fast-paced renewable energy sector, having the right technical skills is essential, but it’s only part of the equation for success. As the industry evolves, the demand for professionals who can balance technical expertise with essential business acumen is growing rapidly. At SOL POWER, we recognize this need and are excited to launch our […]

SOL POWER Launches NCCER Solar PV Assessment Services to Drive CEJA Workforce Development and Meet Illinois Equity Standards

Enhancing Local Workforce Competence While Strengthening Community Investments in Renewable Energy Rockford, IL – November 3, 2024 – SOL POWER is proud to announce the launch of its NCCER-accredited Solar PV Assessment Services, designed to equip employers, contractors, HR recruiters, and labor unions with the certified, skilled professionals they need to meet equity standards and […]