Ameresco and Cook County Celebrate Completion of Solar Installation at Skokie Courthouse

New solar project helps reduce operating costs and supports long-term energy planning for Cook County facilities.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:06pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished, geometric solar panel module and a sleek, metallic electrical junction box, conceptually representing the renewable energy infrastructure powering a public facility.A new solar installation at the Skokie Courthouse will help Cook County reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and advance its sustainability goals.Skokie Today

Ameresco, a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, has completed a new 1.5 megawatt solar photovoltaic installation at the Skokie Courthouse in Cook County, Illinois. The system is expected to offset over 50% of the facility's annual electricity consumption, advancing Cook County's sustainability and decarbonization goals while reducing long-term operating costs.

Why it matters

This project demonstrates Cook County's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, helping the county reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and create long-term value for residents. The solar installation is part of a broader effort by Cook County to expand its on-site renewable energy portfolio and support its 2030 sustainability and emissions-reduction goals.

The details

The solar installation consists of two arrays, totaling 1.5 megawatts, located on the courthouse rooftop and on the parking garage. The system is designed to generate approximately 1,737 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 722 metric tons of CO2e per year - equivalent to the carbon sequestered by more than 724 acres of forest. The project was developed in collaboration with Cook County's Bureau of Asset Management, leveraging underutilized space on the courthouse roof and parking structures to maximize clean energy generation without impacting daily courthouse operations.

  • The solar installation was completed in April 2026.

The players

Ameresco, Inc.

A leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero.

Cook County

The county government of Cook County, Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Toni Preckwinkle

The Cook County Board President, who spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the solar installation.

Lou Maltezos

The Co-President of Ameresco, who commented on the project's significance.

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What they’re saying

“This project demonstrates Cook County's commitment to leading by example when it comes to clean energy and responsible stewardship of public facilities. By investing in on-site renewable energy at the Skokie Courthouse, we are reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and creating long-term value for residents.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President

“Projects like the Skokie Courthouse solar installation highlight how public sector facilities can play a meaningful role in the energy transition. We're proud to collaborate with Cook County to deliver a solution that supports resilience, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility while producing measurable environmental benefits for the community.”

— Lou Maltezos, Co-President of Ameresco

What’s next

Ameresco has also been awarded eight additional solar projects with Cook County, representing approximately 3.3 MW of new solar capacity that are expected to be completed by November 2027. These projects will further expand the county's on-site renewable energy portfolio and support its 2030 sustainability and emissions-reduction goals.

The takeaway

This solar installation at the Skokie Courthouse demonstrates how public sector facilities can play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy, reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and creating long-term value for the community. Cook County's commitment to expanding its on-site solar portfolio is a model for other local governments seeking to enhance sustainability and resilience.