Harvey City Council to Consider Community Solar Project

Evolved Living proposes grant-funded solar farm to provide renewable energy access to residents.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the interconnected systems of a community solar power grid.A community solar project could harness vacant land to generate renewable energy and provide affordable access for underserved residents.Chicago Today

The Harvey City Council will consider a feasibility study for a proposed community solar project presented by Marquis Matilla of Evolved Living. The project would develop a solar farm that would feed energy back to the ComEd grid, allowing residents to subscribe and receive credits on their electricity bills without having to install solar panels on their homes. The first step would be a feasibility study to determine if there is enough capacity on the local substation to accommodate the solar farm.

Why it matters

Community solar projects like this one aim to expand access to renewable energy in underserved areas that may lack the resources or space for individual rooftop solar installations. If approved, this project could provide an affordable way for Harvey residents to benefit from solar power and reduce their electricity costs.

The details

Marquis Matilla of Evolved Living presented the community solar proposal to the Harvey City Council. The project would involve developing a solar farm on vacant or contaminated land, with the electricity generated feeding back into the ComEd grid. Residents who subscribe would receive credits on their electricity bills without having to pay anything upfront. The size and location of the solar farm would depend on the results of a feasibility study to ensure there is enough capacity on the local substation.

  • The Harvey City Council was scheduled to vote on whether to pursue the feasibility study on April 14, 2026, but the meeting was interrupted by a power outage.
  • The next Harvey City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 27, 2026 at Harvey City Hall.

The players

Marquis Matilla

The founder of Evolved Living, a company that develops community solar projects in underserved communities.

Evolved Living

A company that develops community solar projects to expand access to renewable energy.

Tracy Key

The Fourth Ward Alderman in Harvey who asked about comparable community solar projects in the area.

Shirley Drewenski

The Acting Mayor of Harvey who emphasized that the initial vote would only be on whether to pursue the feasibility study.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The state agency that provided a grant to make this community solar project economically viable.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What happens is, not everyone can get solar panels on their homes. We would develop this solar farm, and that solar farm feeds energy back to ComEd's grid. ComEd then takes that electricity, credits it and everyone who's a subscriber to that community solar project is basically a partial owner.”

— Marquis Matilla, Founder, Evolved Living

“This would cost the city nothing. In fact, we're taking vacant, unused, contaminated land and turning it into an asset that the city and the residents can take advantage of.”

— Marquis Matilla, Founder, Evolved Living

What’s next

The Harvey City Council will vote on whether to pursue the feasibility study for the community solar project at their next meeting on April 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This community solar proposal represents an innovative approach to expanding access to renewable energy in underserved areas like Harvey. If approved, the project could provide an affordable way for residents to benefit from solar power and reduce their electricity costs, while also generating revenue and repurposing vacant land for the city.