Standard Solar Accelerates Growth in Illinois with 39 MW Community Solar Portfolio Acquisition from New Leaf Energy
- EnergyChannel - United States.
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Company’s footprint in the state is now more than 150 MW of owned, operational and contracted solar projects
ROCKVILLE, MD—April 22, 2025 — Standard Solar, a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner, has acquired a 39-megawatt (MW) community solar portfolio in Illinois from New Leaf Energy, an experienced developer of clean energy projects.
This latest addition significantly expands Standard Solar’s footprint in the state, bringing its total number of owned, operational, in-construction and contracted projects in Illinois to more than 30, totaling 150 MW.
The newly acquired portfolio comprises five community solar projects in towns across Illinois: Blackstone, Braceville, Dwight, Seneca and Wadsworth. The projects use a mix of single-axis tracker and ground mount technology, and are collectively expected to produce more than 46,700 MWh of clean energy in their first year of operation.
“This acquisition from New Leaf Energy reinforces our commitment to expanding access to solar in Illinois and reflects the strong working relationship we’ve built through multiple successful transactions,” said Harry Benson, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar. “It also marks another key addition to our growing portfolio, highlighting our focus on acquiring high-quality, strategic assets.”
“Through our strong partnership with Standard, we are proud to deliver another 39 megawatts of clean, reliable, and renewable energy to communities across Illinois, and advance our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future,” said Kate Vann, Project Finance Director, New Leaf Energy.
The five community solar projects will allow residents and businesses to subscribe to clean, renewable energy and receive credits on their electricity bills, making solar accessible to those who cannot install solar panels on their property.
“New Leaf Energy has been an exceptional partner, and this marks nearly 30 successful transactions together,” said Mike Streams, Chief Development Officer, Standard Solar. “It underscores our strength as a competitive financial partner and reliable owner-operator in community solar, as well as our ongoing commitment to working with motivated partners to accelerate the clean energy transition through ready-to-build projects.”
“At New Leaf Energy, we’re proud to support Illinois’s clean energy goals by delivering high-quality, community-focused solar projects. This portfolio reflects our commitment to advancing the energy transition through strategic partnerships and disciplined project execution,” said Andrew Kraczkiewicz, Vice President, New Leaf Energy. “Partnering with communities and innovators who share our vision is central to our mission of accelerating the transition to a world powered by renewable energy.”
The newly acquired projects align with Illinois’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, as outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The company also recently announced that it has acquired two more community solar projects in Illinois from Cenergy Power, totaling more than 9 megawatts (MW).
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar is powering the nation’s energy transformation – channeling its project development capabilities, financial strength and technical expertise to deliver the benefits of solar and solar + storage to businesses and institutions, farms, governments, communities and utilities. Building on 20 years of sustainable growth and in-house and tax equity investment capital, Standard Solar is a national leader in developing, funding and long-term ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Recognized as an established financial partner with immediate, deep resources, the company owns and operates more than 500 megawatts of solar across the United States. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Standard Solar is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and energy transition assets. Learn more at standardsolar.com, LinkedIn and on X: @StandardSolar.
For project acquisition and development inquiries, contact Harry Benson, Director of Project Development, 301‑944‑5125, harry.benson@standardsolar.com and on LinkedIn.
About New Leaf Energy
New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policy makers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. New Leaf identifies high-value sites, works with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partners with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life. New Leaf Energy has an unparalleled track record of completed projects across the country, and one of the most diverse pipelines of solar and energy storage projects in the United States. Learn more atnewleafenergy.com and on LinkedIn.
PR Contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates for Standard Solar
703-907-0010
Standard Solar Accelerates Growth in Illinois with 39 MW Community Solar Portfolio Acquisition from New Leaf Energy
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