ECA Power, Luminace and ComEd Energize 7.4 MW Rockford Community Solar Project in Cherry Valley

ECA Power, Luminace and ComEd energized the Rockford Community Energy Initiative, a 7.4 MWdc community solar project in Cherry Valley, Illinois, on November 5, 2026. PR Newswire reported that state and local leaders marked the project's completion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Rockford Project Details and Community Benefits

State Sen. Steve Stadelman and State Rep. Maurice West joined representatives from ECA Power, project owner and operator Luminace, ComEd, construction partner Miller Bros. and local community leaders at the ceremony. The project spans 33.9 acres and generates enough electricity to power more than 1,100 ComEd customers.

Through the community solar program, households, renters and small businesses across ComEd's service territory can subscribe to the project and save up to 10% on their electricity bills without installing rooftop panels. The site sits in a state-designated R3 area, a community targeted for revitalization, and the project is expected to bring lower electric bills for subscribers, new tax revenue and long-term infrastructure investment to the region.

"The Illinois General Assembly has spent the past several years passing legislation to encourage and incentivize renewable energy projects like this one," Stadelman said. "It's always exciting to work on legislation and then see that work translate into real development on the ground."

Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd, said northern Illinois is becoming a national leader in community solar. "We're proud to work with ECA Power and Luminace to connect projects like this to the grid, and build a power system that can support continued clean energy growth across our region," he said.

As part of its community benefit agreement with the Village of Cherry Valley, ECA Power contributed $150,000 to support the buildout, operation and maintenance of an EV charging station. Todd Fryatt, Founder and CEO of ECA Power, said the project's success should be measured by the lasting value it creates for the surrounding community.

ComEd's Customer Base and Data Center Load

According to akta.pro company records, ComEd serves approximately 9 million customers across northern Illinois. The utility has received data center connection requests totaling more than 30 gigawatts. ComEd is a regulated electric utility and a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, according to the same records.

Earlier ComEd Grid and Solar Moves

On October 2, 2026, ComEd and SunVest energized a near-8 MW community solar array at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, dedicating 60% of subscription capacity to low-to-moderate-income customers, Stock Titan reported. On October 5, 2026, ComEd and Walmart said they would energize a new high-voltage substation to power a planned Walmart perishable distribution center in Belvidere, Yahoo reported. On October 22, 2026, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved ComEd's GRIT transmission project, adding four underground 138kV lines and a substation in Cook and DuPage counties, with construction starting this fall and completion in Q2 2029, TradingView reported.

What Comes Next for the Rockford Project

The Rockford Community Energy Initiative is now delivering power to subscribers in ComEd's service territory. ECA Power's $150,000 contribution supports the buildout, operation and maintenance of an EV charging station in Cherry Valley.