Lake County Gazette

Lake County officials recently celebrated a new solar array system that will power the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville on Sept. 17 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is the first county government building to utilize solar power.

According to a Lake County news release, the ground-mounted solar array system has more than 2,000 photovoltaic panels and will provide enough electricity to power the permit facility. Standard Solar constructed the solar array, and a solar power purchase agreement was made to power the permit facility.

"At Lake County, we are always looking to make a positive impact on our communities and the environment. Solar energy is clean, safe and affordable,” said Jessica Vealitzek, chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee and Lake County Board Member, District 10. “This is one of many steps we are taking and will continue to take to be a more sustainable government.”

The news release said that the Lake County Board set a goal to increase the amount of renewable energy generated by the county in its strategic plan. The county aims to procure 100% renewable energy by the year 2040 and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% or more.

The county's other goals include ensuring that all new county facilities constructed after 2020 be evaluated for their potential for net zero certification; publicly reporting progress toward these goals on an annual basis; inviting and encouraging municipalities and townships throughout the county to join in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of the operations required to provide public service to the residents and businesses of Lake County; and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 50%, and achieving at least a 60% diversion rate of recyclables and organics from its own waste stream by 2030.

Lake County continues to develop its plans to bring these goals to fruition. By addressing emissions, waste, and energy goals, Lake County’s operations will also have co-benefits for protecting habitats, preserving open space, reducing consumption of natural resources, community education, equity to communities, resilience to natural hazards, resilience to human hazards, restoration of ecosystems, increased tree cover and increased employee satisfaction and retention.

Additionally, there are opportunities for businesses and residents to explore solar options for their properties through the Solar Switch program. This program organizes group purchasing of residential solar panels to potentially help homeowners receive a discounted price for a solar panel installation.

According to the press release, the Lake County C-PACE Program can provide commercial property owners up to 100% financing for solar system improvements in existing buildings and new construction.

"By adopting solar power, we're not only showcasing our dedication to combating climate change through the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonization of our local energy sector, but we're also achieving significant cost savings for Lake County," Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said in a news release. "Our partnership with Standard Solar represents a meaningful step forward, both environmentally and economically."