Generate Capital and TurningPoint Energy Energize Solar Farm to Support Kendall County Families and Businesses

Generate Capital (“Generate”) and TurningPoint Energy (“TPE”) yesterday celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a new 3.5-megawatt alternating current (MWac) community solar project in the City of Sandwich, Illinois, marking one of the first community solar projects in Kendall County developed through Illinois’ Adjustable Block Program, now known as Illinois Shines. The project is part of an eight-project, 34.5 MWac portfolio developed by TPE and financed, built, owned, and operated by Generate. Elected officials, project partners, and community members gathered at the site to celebrate the milestone.

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Attendees celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the new 3.5 MWac community solar project in Sandwich, Illinois. The project marks the first facility to come online as part of the companies’ eight-project, 34.5 MWdc Illinois community solar portfolio and will provide clean, affordable energy to ComEd customers, including dedicated capacity for low-income households.

The solar array spans approximately 23 acres and utilizes single-axis tracking technology with backtracking and bifacial solar modules to maximize energy production. The facility is expected to generate more than 8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of taking more than 1,640 gas-powered cars off the road each year.

Construction was completed in mid-2026 using prevailing-wage labor, with qualified laborers on site throughout the build. The project is now delivering renewable energy and utility bill savings to 90 local subscribers, including residents and small businesses. As part of Illinois Shines, the project expands access to solar energy for customers who may not be able to install solar panels on their own properties.

In addition to generating clean energy, the project incorporates agrivoltaic and pollinator-friendly land management practices, using sheep grazing to naturally maintain vegetation and native flowering plants to support pollinator populations and enhance biodiversity. These practices help improve soil health and demonstrate how renewable energy can work hand-in-hand with agriculture and responsible land stewardship.

As one of the first community solar projects developed in Kendall County, the site represents an important milestone in the region’s clean energy transition. At a time of rising energy costs, community solar provides local residents and businesses with access to affordable, locally generated renewable energy while supporting economic growth. Upon full buildout, the eight-project, 34.5 MWac portfolio is expected to deliver nearly $70 million in projected electricity cost savings to Illinois subscribers over its operating life.

“Community solar is a great example of how sustainable infrastructure can deliver immediate, tangible benefits to the communities it serves,” said Peggy Flannery, Managing Director, Investments at Generate Capital. “Together with TurningPoint Energy, we’re bringing reliable, locally generated power to Illinois communities while helping residents and small businesses lower their energy costs. We’re proud to invest in, build and operate projects like this for the long term and to expand access to affordable clean energy across the state.”

“This project demonstrates how thoughtfully developed energy infrastructure can create meaningful benefits for communities beyond electricity generation,” said Salar Naini, President of TPE. “Together with Generate, we’re delivering a project that combines community solar with responsible land stewardship, creating long-term value for subscribers, host communities, and Illinois’ broader clean energy transition.”

“As more renewable energy resources connect to the electric grid, community solar is playing an important role in expanding customer choice and strengthening Illinois’ clean energy economy,” said Jie Chu, Vice President of Project & Contracts for ComEd. “ComEd is pleased to support projects like this one that bring local investment, clean energy and bill-saving opportunities to the communities we serve.”

The Sandwich project is part of a broader eight-project, 34.5 MWac Illinois community solar portfolio that is being brought online across the state. Together, the projects represent a significant addition to the state’s solar generating capacity and contribute to Illinois’ long-term goal of replacing 100 percent of its existing energy sources with renewable energy by 2050.

About Generate Capital

Generate Capital is an investor and operator providing reliable and affordable energy and infrastructure solutions to customers and communities. Founded in 2014, Generate develops, finances, builds, owns and operates critical infrastructure that helps customers access reliable power and essential services in an increasingly constrained world. With expertise across technologies and infrastructure sectors, Generate combines flexible capital with hands-on operating capabilities to deliver solutions tailored to customer needs. Since inception, Generate has raised more than $10 billion in capital and built a proven track record across critical infrastructure assets. For more information, visit https://generatecapital.com/.

About TurningPoint Energy

TurningPoint Energy is a privately held clean energy development, advisory and investment company with over 1.5 Gigawatts (GW) of large-scale solar, community solar, and energy storage projects operating or under development across the United States. Our team adapts to each client’s needs and finds ways to invest in our clients and their communities…at every turning point. For more information, visit https://turningpoint-energy.com and join TPE on LinkedIn.

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