Northbrook Trustees favor continued participation in solar energy program

The Village of Northbrook will continue to work with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to bring community solar energy subscriptions to Northbrook residents and small businesses.

At its July 28 meeting, the Northbrook board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution to support the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program. An eventual subscription package will offer subscribers an estimated 20% discount off net bill credits.

There's "no apparent downside" to the effort, Trustee Robert Israel said before the board voted 6-0 to approve the measure.

Northbrook is part of the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium along with Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Skokie.

Israel said the solar program had been endorsed by several local environmental groups.

Under the program, residents and small businesses could claim a portion of community solar development in Illinois without having to build, pay for or install solar equipment on their property.

Customers could end their subscription at any point without penalty by giving 30 days notice, and could transfer a subscription due to relocation provided the new property remains within ComEd territory.

Having approved the resolution, Northbrook will continue working with the Mayors Caucus and North Shore consortium to prepare a news release, direct mail and website for collecting sign-ups. Community solar projects are anticipated to start in the third and fourth quarters of 2020.