Illinois

Solar

Illinois’ push to train workers for solar industry jobs is paying off

A state-funded hub for clean energy workforce development is creating employment and business opportunities in the surrounding community.

By Kari Lydersen .

12 September 2025

Six people stand on a roof with solar panels — Austin Frank, right, is a graduate of the solar training program at Lewis and Clark Community College in southern Illinois. His company, ARF, installed rooftop panels on one of the college’s buildings at no cost to the school. (Kari Lydersen/Canary Media)

Solar

Illinois farmers find that sheep and solar arrays go well together

The agrivoltaics practice of raising sheep under solar panels is a win-win for Illinois farmers — but first the market for lamb meat needs to grow.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 September 2025
Electric vehicles

Can EV ambassadors help Chicago drivers go electric?

Aiming to help Illinois get 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, the state’s largest utility is tapping community leaders to convince neighbors to ditch gas cars.

By Kari Lydersen . 5 August 2025
Energy storage

An Illinois bill seeking to supercharge battery storage failed. Now what?

Supporters hoped the legislation would accelerate the state’s clean energy transition, but it stalled amid opposition from unions, farmers, and fossil-fuel groups.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 June 2025
Clean industry

This startup turns steel and aluminum waste into usable metals

Chicago-area Sun Metalon removes gunk and grime from metal slivers normally thrown away, helping to reduce emissions from aluminum and steel production.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 June 2025
Energy efficiency

Chicago program to light up dark streets is gateway to energy efficiency

MECRO outfits porches with LED lights that automatically turn on at dusk, helping residents feel safer — and showing them how to start lowering their energy bills.

By Audrey Henderson . 5 June 2025
Clean energy jobs

From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois

Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 May 2025
Energy storage

Illinois’ grid needs batteries. Can the legislature deliver?

State leaders are deliberating how to bring more energy storage online. But the clock is ticking to pass a pivotal bill as the legislative session nears its end.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 May 2025
Solar

Largest solar farm east of the Mississippi provides more than just power

The project helps Chicago and one of its universities meet climate goals, but it will also be a case study for researchers examining the impacts of large-scale solar.

By Kari Lydersen . 2 May 2025
Clean energy jobs

Illinois’ clean energy transition needs workers. ComEd is training them.

The utility’s Academy programs are helping women and people of color start careers in clean energy. A new crop of workers just graduated.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 May 2025
Clean energy

Chicago Teachers Union secures clean energy wins in new contract

The contract requires the district to update its climate action plan, create clean energy job training programs, and install more heat pumps and solar panels.

By Kari Lydersen . 21 April 2025