Clean Earth Renewables: Transforming Urban Decarbonization Through Community Solar

The Rise of Clean Earth Renewables

In the heart of America’s third-largest city, a quiet energy revolution is reshaping the skyline. Clean Earth Renewables (CER), a leading force in renewable energy development, is transforming the way Chicago powers its neighborhoods by building a more equitable and sustainable energy future. At the forefront of this transformation is CER’s innovative Community Solar program, which is helping urban residents and businesses connect directly to solar power—without installing a single panel on their property.

Implementing Distributed Energy Resources (DER's) as a Decarbonization Solution in Urban Environments

CER specializes in developing and building Community Solar farms on commercial and industrial rooftops throughout high energy-dense urban environments. These solar installations are not only turning unused rooftop space into productive energy-generating assets but are also democratizing access to clean energy. By leveraging underutilized infrastructure in urban cores, CER brings solar energy directly to communities that have historically been left out of the renewable energy transition.

Through its projects within ComEd’s service area—including across the City of Chicago and surrounding Cook County municipalities—CER enables residents and small businesses to subscribe to local community solar farms.

This model allows participants to receive solar credits on their utility bills, typically resulting in a 10% average savings. For many families and business owners, this translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings—without any upfront investment, credit checks, or equipment required.

Community Engagement and Education

But the impact extends beyond savings. CER’s work is helping the City of Chicago achieve its ambitious climate and sustainability goals. By installing solar farms within the urban grid, CER reduces reliance on fossil fuel-powered energy, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviates stress on aging electrical infrastructure. Each rooftop solar farm not only produces clean electricity but also strengthens local energy resilience and drives forward Chicago’s decarbonization strategy.

What makes CER unique is its commitment to localism. Unlike utility-scale solar projects built far from the communities they serve, CER’s Community Solar model is embedded directly within the neighborhoods it benefits. This approach generates a host of co-benefits: creating local green jobs, revitalizing industrial zones, and supporting neighborhood-based organizations through grassroots partnerships and education campaigns. CER's projects bring the clean energy conversation to block clubs, community centers, small business associations, and neighborhood schools—ensuring that energy equity remains central to its mission.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Furthermore, CER’s partnerships with municipal leaders, sustainability offices, and workforce training programs ensure that its projects generate lasting value beyond electricity. By building strong ties with community stakeholders and hiring local labor to construct and maintain its systems, CER is helping build a more inclusive and just clean energy economy.

As more cities across the country look to decarbonize, Clean Earth Renewables offers a replicable model that puts communities first. With its urban rooftop solar farms lighting the way, CER is not only transforming how cities generate and consume electricity but also redefining who gets to benefit from the clean energy transition.

The Future of Renewable Energy in Urban Areas

As Clean Earth Renewables continues to expand its operations, the future looks promising for renewable energy in urban areas around Chicago and Cook County. The lessons learned from their success in Chicago are being applied in other cities, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable world. With ongoing advancements in technology and growing public awareness, the potential for further transformation in urban energy use is immense.

In a city where every square foot matters, CER is proving that the future of clean energy is not on the horizon—it’s already above us.