Project Details:Top

Utility Name:	Commonwealth Edison
Utility Type:	IOU
Funding Source(s):	Corporate Discretionary Budget
State:	Illinois | IL
Region:	Central
Utility Program(s):	Distributed Solar Systems,Residential System Incentives (¢/kWh),Residential System Incentives ($/kW)
Technology:	PV

Project Description:Top

The City of Chicago spearheaded an effort in 1999 to promote solar power by forming a public-private partnership termed the Chicago Solar Partnership. The partners are the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Public Schools, City of Chicago, Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA), Pipe Fitters Local 597, Solargenix Energy, Spire Solar Systems, U.S. Department of Energy, and as the local utility, ComEd.

ComEd and Spire Solar Systems, the EPC business unit of Spire Solar, Inc. of Spire Corporation, were the leaders in the Partnership, which was a historic feat since no other U.S. municipality had joined in a city wide solar partnership of this magnitude before.

As part of the Chicago Solar Partnership a number of PV systems were installed throughout the city, including a PV power and battery back-up system for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), which is responsible for routing 911 emergency calls to thousands of local police and fire units.

The project was completed in two phases, the first of which was an installation of a 38kW PV system in 2002. The members of the Chicago Solar Partnership wanted to demonstrate the use of solar power as an emergency back-up service as well, which is why in 2003 a 10kW back-up system was installed to provide back-up power during black outs to the 911 Center.

The 10kW PV system charges standby batteries for an uninterruptible power supply that will provide electricity for lighting of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) in the OEMC. The battery system was donated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd).

Project Partners:Top

City of Chicago

Project Links:Top

http://www.illinoissolarschools.org/solar-projects/city-of-chicagos-911-center/

http://www.science.smith.edu/~jcardell/Courses/EGR325/Readings/PVChicago.pdf

http://www.spirecorp.com/spire-solar-systems/solar-power-installations/projects/chicago/Chicago-Solar-Partnership.php

More Information:Top

Submit a Utility Case Study: