By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent
Look out, Minnesota. Illinois just landed another major residential solar installer – they just may be coming for your title as the leading solar state in the Midwest.
Vivint Solar, following in the footsteps of its competitor Sunrun, decided to take the plunge into the Illinois market yesterday, citing low solar penetration numbers and high levels of governmental support as the reasons they joined the fray.
Earlier this year, the Illinois Power Agency approved the Long Term Renewables Resources Procurement Plan (the Plan), which most observers believe will accelerate solar adoption in the state, including at the residential level.
Vivint Solar CEO David Bywater said in a release announcing the move:
With a supportive regulatory environment and broad enthusiasm toward clean energy, Illinois is a very promising market for rooftop solar. In particular, we are thrilled to begin operations in Chicago, the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. where we did not yet have a presence. We believe this state has tremendous potential to become a strong clean energy hub, and we look forward to helping residents embrace solar energy and enjoy greater control over their electricity costs.
The company added that it plans to add 100 jobs in the state within the year.
Now about that Minnesota/Illinois emerging rivalry. Without question, Minnesota has long been the Midwest leader in solar development, particularly through its community solar program, which is among the best designed and executed in the country. But with the Plan now in place, Illinois is coming fast. As I wrote at the time of its passage:
As the Midwest has moved – often glacially – toward its own solar future, most observers have pegged Minnesota as the early leader that has stood clearly head and shoulders above all the other states in the region. But I believe that as the Plan moves forward that it won’t be long before Minnesota is looking over its shoulder to see Illinois quickly approaching.
Vivint Solar’s decision to move into the Land of Lincoln just reinforces my belief that it will soon be competing for the title of most progressive Midwest solar state.