Standard Solar, a Rockville, Maryland-based developer, owner and operator of commercial and community solar projects, has acquired a 13-project community solar portfolio totaling approximately 43.3 megawatts (MW) from Trajectory Energy Partners, expanding its renewable energy investments across Illinois.
The acquisition includes the Tallgrass Portfolio, a collection of solar projects developed by Trajectory Energy Partners across northern, central and southern Illinois. Standard Solar will oversee construction and retain long-term ownership and operational responsibility for the facilities.
The projects are expected to begin commercial operations in phases starting in 2027, with additional facilities scheduled to become operational through 2028.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition strengthens Standard Solar’s presence in Illinois, where state-supported community solar programs have created opportunities for developers and investors to expand renewable electricity generation without requiring customers to install solar equipment on their properties.
The 13 projects range in capacity from approximately 2.4 MW to 6.6 MW and are located in communities including Lincoln, Du Quoin, Marengo, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Loves Park and Richton Park.
The portfolio includes Red Bird West, Red Bird East and Stovepipe West in Lincoln; Stovepipe East in Logan County; and Hawk Haven in the Village of Loves Park.
Additional projects include Grannys Creek North, Grannys Creek South and H and R North in Du Quoin; Lanceleaf in Marengo; Prairie North in Poplar Grove; Blue Aster and Fox Sparrow in Rockford; and Barn Owl in the Village of Richton Park.
Together, the facilities will add approximately 43.3 MW of community solar generation capacity to the Illinois market once construction and commissioning are completed.
“Trajectory has done the hard work required to bring a portfolio of this scale forward across multiple Illinois communities,” said Harry Benson, director of business development at Standard Solar.
“These are exactly the kinds of strong, well-developed projects we want to add to our portfolio.”
Benson said Standard Solar will contribute financing resources, previously secured solar panel inventory, construction execution capabilities and its long-term ownership model to move the projects toward commercial operation.
The transaction reflects a development structure in which one company advances solar projects through early-stage planning and local engagement before transferring them to an owner-operator with the capital and operational resources needed to complete construction.
Trajectory Energy Partners was responsible for developing the Tallgrass Portfolio, including establishing relationships with participating communities and landowners and navigating the early stages of project development.
Standard Solar will assume responsibility for bringing the projects through construction and managing their operations over the longer term.
“From the beginning, our approach has been to develop projects that work for the communities and landowners hosting them,” said Jon Carson, founder and managing partner of Trajectory Energy Partners.
“The Tallgrass projects reflect that approach and the years of building strong local partnerships to successfully navigate the complexities of early-stage development.”
Carson said Standard Solar’s financial and operational resources will support the portfolio’s transition from development into construction and electricity generation.
Once operational, the projects will participate in Illinois’ community solar market, allowing residential and commercial subscribers to receive benefits associated with electricity generated by shared solar facilities.
Community solar arrangements provide an alternative for customers who cannot install rooftop panels because of property ownership restrictions, building conditions or other limitations.
Subscribers typically participate through allocations of electricity production from an off-site solar project, with corresponding credits applied through their utility billing arrangements.
The Tallgrass Portfolio is also expected to generate economic benefits for participating landowners and host communities through long-term project operations.
For Standard Solar, the acquisition adds to an existing national portfolio of commercial and community solar assets.
The company owns and operates more than 500 MW of solar capacity across the United States and has approximately two decades of experience developing, financing and managing renewable energy projects.
Its business model combines project development, acquisition financing, construction execution and long-term asset ownership.
Standard Solar also uses in-house investment resources and tax equity capital to support commercial and community solar projects serving businesses, institutions, agricultural operations, governments and utilities.
The company is a portfolio business of Brookfield, the global investment firm with operations across infrastructure, renewable power and other asset classes.
Trajectory Energy Partners, which was founded in Illinois, develops solar and energy storage projects in partnership with landowners, communities and other organizations.
Its development activities focus on identifying suitable project locations, coordinating with local stakeholders and advancing renewable energy projects toward construction readiness.
The Tallgrass transaction provides Trajectory with an opportunity to transfer a developed portfolio to an established owner-operator while enabling Standard Solar to expand its Illinois project pipeline.
With commercial operations scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue into 2028, the acquisition positions Standard Solar to increase its community solar capacity in Illinois through a geographically diversified group of projects.
The transaction also extends the company’s long-term investment in distributed renewable energy infrastructure as demand for community solar participation continues to support project development across the state.

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