MACHESNEY PARK, IL — New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE Inc. along with community leaders and Harlem Consolidated School District (HCSD) school leaders and students gathered in Machesney Park, IL on June 24, 2026, to celebrate the official energization of a new 5.5 MW community solar project.
Operated by New Energy Equity on land owned by HCSD, this community solar project will generate 8.3 million kWh of clean energy annually—enough to power 1,002 Illinois homes annually. Local ComEd customers can also enroll in community solar and receive credits on their electricity bill generated by their share of a community solar project, reducing their electricity costs.
For HCSD, the partnership creates meaningful benefits without requiring taxpayer-funded construction costs. By leasing district-owned land and enrolling in community solar as a subscriber to the project, Harlem will receive annual lease payments and utility bill credits that help offset energy costs across its 9 schools, serving local students.
In addition to the environmental impact, the event also celebrated a new scholarship program funded by New Energy Equity which will award $10,000 annually in scholarships to HCSD students for the 25-year life of the solar project, totaling a quarter-million-dollar investment in local students.
"We’re very proud of this project at New Energy Equity because of all the positive benefits it delivers,” said Kyle Marchesseault, VP of Marketing. “It delivers benefits for the school district in the form of lease revenue and electricity bill savings. It benefits four deserving, accomplished students through scholarships. And it provides more energy for the local community at a time of rising electricity demand.”
Guest dignitaries at the energization ceremony included State Representative Maurice West II (67th District), Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson, and HCSD Superintendent Terrell Yarbrough.
The event concluded with a ceremonial switch flip to signify the official activation of this community solar project.
About New Energy Equity: New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, develops, builds and owns solar projects designed to generate reliable energy and lasting economic value for all. New Energy Equity has developed over 600 megawatts of solar projects across 16 states.
