Cook County Expands Solar Power with Second Courthouse

New solar panels on Skokie Courthouse will generate half its electricity needs.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones depicting a complex, interlocking system of geometric shapes and organic forms, conceptually representing the solar energy infrastructure powering a county courthouse.Cook County's investment in solar power at its courthouses reflects a broader shift toward renewable energy infrastructure in local governments.Chicago Today

Cook County has opened a new $5.9 million solar power project at the Skokie Courthouse, installing 3,900 solar panels on the building's roof and parking garage. The system is expected to generate over 1,737 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, about half of the courthouse's power needs. This is the second solar-powered courthouse in the county, following the Markham Courthouse that went online last year.

Why it matters

The Skokie solar project is part of Cook County's broader Clean Energy Plan to fully power its buildings with renewable energy by 2030. The expansion of solar power at county facilities highlights the growing adoption of clean energy solutions, especially in the wake of recent extreme weather events that have underscored the need to address climate change.

The details

The $5.9 million Skokie Courthouse solar project features 3,900 solar panels installed on the building's roof and top level of the adjacent parking garage. County officials estimate the system will generate over 1,737 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting about half the courthouse's power needs. This is the second solar-powered courthouse in Cook County, following the Markham Courthouse that went online in August 2025.

  • The Skokie Courthouse solar project was officially opened on April 7, 2026.
  • The Markham Courthouse solar project went online in August 2025.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President.

Kate Buczek

Cook County Bureau of Asset Management Energy Manager.

Kevin Morrison

Cook County Commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“Recent violent weather shows how important it is to respond to climate change.”

— Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner

“The panels will generate more than 1,737 megawatt-hours of electricity each year - or about half of what's needed to run the courthouse.”

— Kate Buczek, Cook County Bureau of Asset Management Energy Manager

What’s next

Cook County has 17 other solar panel projects in the works as part of its goal to fully power its buildings with renewable energy by 2030.

The takeaway

Cook County's expansion of solar power at its courthouses demonstrates the growing adoption of clean energy solutions by local governments, driven by both environmental and economic factors. As extreme weather events become more common, the need to invest in renewable energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly urgent.