ESP Solar - Phase 1 Projects
ESP Solar is proud to announce the successful completion of our Phase 1 Projects—a major milestone nearly three years in the making. This achievement marks a critical step forward in our mission to expand access to clean, renewable energy across Illinois.
Since launching these initiatives, we’ve worked tirelessly alongside our trusted partners to navigate the many challenges that come with solar development—from securing financing and managing permitting requirements to coordinating utility interconnection and overseeing construction.
Each project reflects the collective effort, resilience, and dedication of our team, landowners, local communities, and financial stakeholders. Together, we overcame obstacles, adapted to changing program guidelines, and gained invaluable experience along the way.
We not only got it done—we grew in the process. The lessons we’ve learned have strengthened our foundation and positioned us for even greater impact in the phases to come.
ESP Bourbonnais
Location: Bourbonnais, IL in Kankakee County
ESP Bourbonnais is a 32-acre, 5 MW-AC flagship community solar project, completed and commissioned on July 18, 2025. In addition to delivering clean energy to households across the region, the site also supports agrivoltaics and active sheep grazing, creating a unique dual-use land model that benefits both the environment and the local agricultural economy. This project was developed through close coordination with local officials, residents, and subscriber partners, and meets the strict standards of the Illinois Shines program. From land acquisition and permitting to utility interconnection and construction, ESP Bourbonnais reflects the strong foundation of our long-term impact and community-centered approach to solar development.
ESP Pontiac
ESP Pontiac is a 28-acre, 5 MW-AC community solar project located just off of I-55 in Pontiac, IL. Designed to bring clean, reliable energy to the residents of Livingston County. The project was completed and commissioned on July 28, 2025. What makes this project especially meaningful is the strong partnership with the City of Pontiac and Mayor Bill Alvey, who trusted us to deliver a solar solution that not only supports municipal operations—such as powering the city’s water reclamation plant—but also provides tangible relief to local households facing rising utility costs.
ESP DeKalb
ESP DeKalb is a 33-acre, 5 MW-AC community solar project currently under construction, located on the family-owned Whiskey Acres Farm just outside the heart of DeKalb. The project is scheduled to be completed and commissioned by the end of August 2025. DeKalb is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation and infrastructure, with several major tech companies building state-of-the-art data centers in the region. ESP DeKalb is designed to complement that growth by delivering sustainable, locally produced clean energy to the community. This project reflects the value of strong local partnerships and land stewardship. From working with landowner Jamei Walter to securing all zoning and easement rights, ESP Solar has prioritized thoughtful development in harmony with the land’s agricultural history. Once completed, it will provide long-term energy savings to participating households and businesses—supporting the city’s transition to a clean energy economy.
We’re proud to continue our mission of expanding access to clean energy in Illinois, one community at a time. As we wrap up our Phase 1 projects, we’re already looking ahead—Phase 2 developments will be announced soon, bringing even more opportunities for impact, innovation, and community collaboration across the state.
Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.