Few American brands are as iconic as Dairy Queen. From its humble beginnings in Joliet, Illinois, in 1938—where the world first tasted soft-serve ice cream—to becoming a household name with over 7,000 locations worldwide, Dairy Queen has always been a pioneer in both innovation and community spirit.
Now, nearly a century after revolutionizing frozen desserts, Dairy Queen is doing it again—this time by leading a new revolution in clean energy. Across Illinois, local Dairy Queen franchisees are embracing community solar, matching their annual electricity consumption with renewable energy generated from local solar farms. The result? A greener grid, stronger local economies, and significant savings for shop owners statewide.
A Legacy of Innovation—Now Powered by the Sun
In 1938, Dairy Queen's founders introduced the world's first soft-serve formula, forever changing how Americans enjoy dessert. Today, that same spirit of innovation drives their commitment to sustainability.
By subscribing to local community solar projects, nine participating Dairy Queen locations across Illinois are now offsetting a combined 875,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year—roughly 97,000 kWh per store. That's the equivalent of powering nearly 1,966 average Illinois homes over the 15-year period of the solar project's minimum operating period. This renewable match drastically reduces the brand's carbon footprint while reinforcing Dairy Queen's reputation as a forward-thinking franchise.
Sweet Savings for Local Franchisees
Beyond the environmental good, the economic impact is equally impressive. Each Dairy Queen shop is expected to save an average of $5,000 per year on electricity costs—or up to $75,000 over a 15-year community solar subscription.
Those savings aren't just numbers—they represent more resources to invest in employees, local suppliers, and community events that keep these neighborhood landmarks thriving. In essence, solar savings help keep the "community" in community solar.
Boosting Local Economies Across Illinois
Community solar isn't just good for the environment—it's a local economic multiplier. By sourcing clean energy from solar farms located within Illinois, Dairy Queen helps:
- Create local jobs in construction, maintenance, and renewable energy operations.
- Keep energy dollars in-state, supporting Illinois farmers and landowners who host solar projects.
- Strengthen community resilience by reducing dependency on fossil fuel-based utilities and volatile energy prices.
In towns across Illinois—from Rockford to Peoria to Joliet—Dairy Queen's solar participation helps power both ice cream machines and a clean-energy future.
Community Solar by the Numbers
Dairy Queen's Clean Energy Impact
Sweet savings with guaranteed renewable energy—at no upfront cost
A Landmark Moment for Renewable Franchises
This initiative marks a historic milestone in renewable energy adoption among national franchises. While many corporations talk about sustainability, Dairy Queen is turning its commitment into tangible action—project by project, kilowatt-hour by kilowatt-hour.
By leveraging community solar, Dairy Queen proves that even small retail footprints can have a big environmental impact without the need for rooftop panels or upfront costs. The brand's leadership sets a new standard for other restaurant and retail chains to follow—demonstrating how America's most beloved soft-serve can now help serve a cleaner, brighter planet.
A Future as Bright as the Summer Sun
As Dairy Queen continues to evolve, its journey from soft-serve pioneer to solar champion represents something much bigger than dessert—it's a story of renewal, resilience, and responsibility. By embracing community solar, Dairy Queen is not only saving money but helping pave the way for a sustainable future in Illinois and beyond.
"Because in 2025, the sweetest treat isn't just a Blizzard or a cone—it's a cleaner, brighter future powered by the sun."
Because in 2025, the sweetest treat isn't just a Blizzard or a cone—it's a cleaner, brighter future powered by the sun.
Your Business Can Follow Dairy Queen's Lead
If Dairy Queen's story proves anything, it's that any business—from restaurants and retailers to offices and manufacturers—can benefit from community solar. With no upfront costs, guaranteed savings, and immediate environmental impact, the transition to clean energy has never been easier.
To learn how to lower your business's Scope 2 emissions and reduce electricity costs at no risk, contact us or visit our website to speak with a member of the Clean Earth Renewables team.
