Onyx Renewables and Sol Systems boost clean energy use at Illinois wastewater plant

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. , March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Onyx Renewables, a national provider and owner of localized clean energy solutions, celebrated the groundbreaking of a 2.5-megawatt (MW) onsite solar project Wednesday along with Sol Systems, the initial project developer, and Verde Solutions, the engineering and construction company for the project, marking the start of major upgrades at an Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) wastewater treatment facility in Illinois.

The solar project, set to begin construction this spring, will feature a ground-mount array that generates clean, affordable power for UCSD's southwest wastewater treatment plant. Once complete, the onsite solar energy system is expected to produce over 4,100,000 kilowatt-hours in the first year of production. Any excess power will be used as credits to further offset UCSD's power costs. This project highlights Onyx's commitment to developing onsite solar in the Midwest, where programs like Illinois Shines provide incentives that create well-paying jobs for Illinoisans and cut energy costs for customers.

Onyx will complete development, oversee construction, finance, own, and operate the onsite solar energy system, providing UCSD with stable, low-cost electricity through a long-term power purchase agreement. Onyx will also monetize the project's renewable energy credits (RECs) as part of the Illinois Shines REC program. Sol Systems originated and initially developed the project in 2022 before transferring it to Onyx. Verde Solutions will serve as engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, handling the design and permitting of the project. The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

"Building on our extensive experience with water and wastewater treatment facilities, Sol Systems is proud of the partnership built with UCSD over the last few years as we developed this project. Onsite, this project will generate local, fixed price electricity, helping manage costs for UCSD for the next 15 years," said Anna Toenjes, Associate Vice President of Impact & Business Development at Sol Systems. "Offsite, Sol Systems will establish a scholarship in partnership with Parkland College to reflect our broader commitment to making a positive difference not only through energy projects but also by investing directly in the communities where we work."

"This project exemplifies Onyx's value as a partner throughout our customers' clean energy journey. We've been able to tailor our approach to UCSD's needs to ensure that the end result delivers on what matters most to our customer: cost savings and reliable clean power for Illinoisans," said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx. "Our relationship doesn't end there, either — long after construction is finished, we'll be with UCSD every step of the way as the long-term owner and operator to deliver consistent, reliable electricity to its facility."

"Since our founding, UCSD has sought out economical and reliable energy solutions for our facilities. We were very pleased with Sol Systems' work to initially develop the project. Now, Onyx is a critical partner committed to building a high-quality, well-maintained solar solution that will be part of a state-of-the-art facility which will fit in with residential and park facilities as neighbors," said Rick Manner, Executive Director at UCSD. "With the Solar Power Purchase Agreement, and requiring no up-front investment from UCSD, about 85% of our southwest plant's electric usage will be generated onsite. The price for the clean power is fixed at a low rate that will allow us to see considerable savings for our facility's budget. Our ratepayers will enjoy this benefit from the cost savings for at least the next 15 years."

This onsite solar project is part of a larger $35.9-million expansion and upgrade of UCSD facilities funded by a low-interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and slated for completion in 2027. Together, the forthcoming energy upgrades — which include more efficient combined heat and power units at UCSD's northeast plant as well as onsite production at the facility's southwest plant — are expected to supply about 75% of UCSD treatment plants' electricity needs.

About Onyx Renewables

Onyx Renewables is helping companies create the bridge from today's clean energy reality to tomorrow's possibilities. A leading provider of clean energy solutions nationwide, Onyx's approach ensures expert guidance at every step for our commercial, industrial, real estate, public sector, and military customers. From solar energy and storage to EV charging and beyond, Onyx leverages its wide-ranging industry expertise to develop, finance, construct, own and operate projects, transforming energy and regulatory complexities into simple clean energy solutions that reduce emissions and provide economic savings for our customers. Onyx also partners with developers and EPCs to support, fund, and acquire clean energy projects. For more information, visit www.onyxrenewables.com.

About Sol Systems

Sol Systems is an impact-driven Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities. With over 7 GW of projects across 38 states, Sol integrates energy storage and grid resiliency solutions to deliver reliable, sustainable power to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, and schools. Through strategic partnerships and community reinvestment, Sol ensures clean energy development drives long-term economic and environmental benefits. Founded in 2008 and led by its founder, Sol Systems is dedicated to shaping an energy future we can all believe in. For more information, visit www.solsystems.com.

About Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD)

UCSD is a fee-for-service governmental utility created in 1921 by voter petition in Champaign County, Illinois. UCSD employs a staff of 50 to provide wastewater professionals to treat sewage for properties in the Cities of Champaign and Urbana, the Villages of Savoy and Bondville, the University of Illinois and the adjacent unincorporated developed areas.

UCSD operates two wastewater treatment plants. The Northeast plant is located in Urbana immediately north of Ambucs Park. It began operation in 1924. The Southwest plant is located in Champaign at the intersection of Windsor and Rising Roads. UCSD also operates the sanitary interceptor sewers and 28 pumping stations that transport wastewater to the treatment plants. 

Media contacts

Onyx Renewables: Jenna Leitgeb, media@onyxrenewables.com 

Sol Systems: Jacqueline Mayan, pr@solsystems.com 

UCSD: Rick Manner – Executive Director, director@u-csd.com 

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SOURCE Onyx Renewable Partners L.P.