Illinois’ first Community-Driven Community Solar project, the Blue Grama Solar farm, opened this week in Galesburg, marking what developers say is a historic step in the state’s clean energy journey.
Developed by Nexamp and Trajectory Energy Partners, the 4.7-megawatt facility, energized under the Illinois Shines program, features over 8,000 solar panels and prioritizes local benefits for Galesburg and Knox County.
A community-centered solar milestone
Located on South Farnham Street, Blue Grama Solar generates enough electricity to offset the annual power needs of more than 700 Illinois households. As a CDCS project, it is designed to provide tangible benefits for local communities, including workforce opportunities, regional investment, and continued participation in the clean energy economy, driven by long-term engagement with Galesburg and Knox County area leaders.
“This is the kind of project that demonstrates how solar can be a win for everyone,” said Jessica Collingsworth, Central Policy Director at Nexamp. “By putting community needs at the center of the development process, Blue Grama Solar delivers more than clean energy—it delivers ownership, opportunity, and pride.
“We’re honored to work with partners like Trajectory to help lead Illinois toward a more powerful and adaptable energy future.”
Josh Bushinsky, co-founder of Trajectory Energy Partners, highlighted the project’s success through collaboration, saying, “Today marks a milestone, not just for Galesburg, but the entire state of Illinois. The success of Blue Grama Solar demonstrates what is possible when community members, local leaders, developers, and policymakers collaborate to deliver the benefits of solar.”
Blue Grama Solar supports the goals set forth in Illinois’ landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which commits the state to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050. Projects like this, built with community leadership and benefit in mind, are key to achieving those targets.
Mayor: Quadruple wins for Galesburg
Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman stressed its significance, saying, “Galesburg is proud to be home to this innovative solar project, which is a beacon for how cities and towns across Illinois can participate in building a greener, more capable energy grid.
“Blue Grama Solar demonstrates what’s possible when public, private, and community partners come together around a shared commitment to sustainability and economic opportunity.”
Schwartzman, an environmental studies professor at Knox College, described the project as a “quadruple win” for the community.
“It’s a win for taxpayers with long-term tax revenue, a win for residents with lower energy costs, a win for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and a win for future growth as a proof of concept for solar development,” Schwartzman said.
He noted that subscribers, especially low-income residents, can expect to save about 15% on their annual electricity bills, equating to hundreds of dollars in savings.
Addressing skepticism and looking ahead
On Friday’s Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL, Schwartzman credited early adopters like Galesburg School District 205, which pioneered solar projects, and the Knox County Area Partnership’s Ken Springer for navigating large-scale developments.
“We have a reputation for supporting 21st-century technology,” Schwartzman told WGIL, citing the Illinois Shines program’s statewide impact and supportive legislation like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims for 100% clean energy by 2050.
Addressing skeptics, Schwartzman debunked common misconceptions about solar energy.
“People think solar only works during the day, but the energy feeds into the grid, powering homes around the clock,” Schwartzman said.
He also highlighted technological advancements, noting that modern panels are far more efficient than those from 2000, making solar economically viable. On land use concerns, he added, “Just 4% of Knox County’s land could meet all our energy needs, leaving plenty for agriculture.”
For more information on subscribing to Blue Grama Solar, visit www.nexamp.com or https://trajectoryenergy.com.
