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East St. Louis Today
By the People, for the People
East St. Louis Launches Community Solar Project With Edelen Renewables
New deal aims to cut electricity bills, create green jobs, and explore community ownership in Illinois clean energy push.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:06pm
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The city of East St. Louis has partnered with Edelen Renewables to launch the East St. Louis Community Solar Project, a new initiative that will channel millions in investment into local clean energy projects. The goal is to provide long-term electricity bill savings, spark green jobs, and potentially lead to community ownership models for residents in the Metro East region.
Why it matters
This project is part of Illinois' broader push for 100% clean energy by 2050 under the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Community solar programs can increase access to renewable power for renters and those without suitable roofs, while also creating local economic opportunities. For East St. Louis, this represents a chance to directly benefit from the clean energy transition after years of seeking more investment in the community.
The details
While details are still limited, the East St. Louis Community Solar Project is expected to channel 'millions' in investment from Edelen Renewables into local clean energy projects. City and company leaders stressed the goal is 'community ownership' rather than a purely corporate buildout. However, the specific size, site, and construction timeline have not yet been released. Edelen Renewables describes itself as a developer focused on social-impact solar and repurposing sites for renewable projects.
- On Tuesday, city officials rolled out the East St. Louis Community Solar Project.
- In 2021, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, setting a statewide target of 100% clean energy by 2050.
The players
East St. Louis
The city in Illinois that is launching the new community solar project.
Edelen Renewables
A developer focused on social-impact solar and repurposing sites for renewable projects, which is partnering with East St. Louis on the community solar initiative.
Adam Edelen
The founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables.
J.B. Pritzker
The governor of Illinois who signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021, setting a statewide target of 100% clean energy by 2050.
Ameren Illinois
The utility that has opened two Energy Centers in East St. Louis, including one with more than 3,000 solar panels and on-site battery storage.
What they’re saying
“This community has decided that it wants to be relevant to the opportunities for the 21st century economy.”
— Adam Edelen, Founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables
What’s next
Officials have not released key details such as the project's size, exact site or construction schedule. Those operational details will need to be fleshed out in future announcements from the city and the developer.
The takeaway
This community solar project represents East St. Louis' effort to directly benefit from Illinois' clean energy transition and create local economic opportunities, rather than just hosting utility-scale projects. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other underserved communities seeking to share in the upside of the shift to renewable power.
