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The Village of Arlington Heights recently celebrated a major investment in sustainability with the installation of a new solar panel system on the roof of the Public Works facility at 222 N. Ridge Ave., advancing the Village Board’s long-term goals focused on environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and infrastructure improvement.
Village staff have been evaluating the use of solar energy on municipal properties since 2021. After extensive review, the Public Works Garage was identified as the ideal location due to the building’s size, construction type, age, and existing roof design. A phased roof replacement project that was completed in 2024 helped to prepare the facility for the solar installation by providing the structural support necessary for the new system.
Following discussion at the September 9, 2024 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, the Village Board directed staff to move forward with a Village-owned solar array. The project was completed in partnership with Verde Solutions, a company with experience installing similar systems for organizations including the College of Lake County and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The new system includes 861 solar modules capable of producing approximately 613,785 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The solar energy generated on-site will help power the adjacent water pumping station, significantly reducing future utility costs while supporting cleaner energy use throughout Village operations.
The project also represents a strong financial investment for the community. While the total installation cost is approximately $1.23 million, the Village is eligible for federal incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act expected to cover roughly 88 percent of the upfront project costs. Over the first 20 years of operation, the system is projected to save the Village nearly $1.5 million, with the project expected to pay for itself in just over five years.
In addition to lowering long-term operating expenses, the project supports domestic manufacturing and labor standards through compliance with prevailing wage requirements and federal “Made in America” provisions.
With an expected lifespan exceeding 30 years and minimal maintenance requirements, the solar panel system represents a forward-looking investment that will provide both environmental and financial benefits for decades to come.
The Village and Verde Solutions marked the completion of the project during a special Earth Day “Solarbration” and ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Public Works facility on April 22. Watch a video of the event below:
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