The initiative kicked off at a 195,000-square-foot logistics center in Franklin Park, Illinois, where Prologis activated a 1.56-megawatt rooftop solar installation. Co-developed with utility provider ComEd and SunVest Solar, this project serves as the blueprint for the 44 additional sites planned over the next two years. The Franklin Park array primarily delivers energy credits to residential customers, with a portion supporting local businesses. This community-focused approach ensures that clean energy reaches households that might otherwise lack access, fostering both environmental and economic gains.
Scaling Solar for Community Impact
Prologis’s 82-megawatt portfolio is designed to power approximately 10,000 homes, leveraging Illinois’ status as a fast-growing solar market. Over half of the energy credits will benefit income-qualified households, addressing energy equity by reducing utility costs for underserved communities. The program aligns with state policies, including the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act and the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which have spurred a 400% increase in community solar capacity since 2023. By integrating solar into existing infrastructure, Prologis maximizes land efficiency while bolstering grid resilience.
Collaborative Innovation Drives Progress
The partnership between Prologis, ComEd, and SunVest Solar highlights the power of collaboration in renewable energy. SunVest, a national developer, designed the Franklin Park installation, while ComEd manages grid integration and customer subscriptions. This synergy allows residents and businesses to access solar benefits without installing panels, simply by enrolling through ComEd’s platform. Prologis owns and operates the arrays, ensuring long-term reliability. This model demonstrates how private industry and utilities can work together to scale sustainable solutions effectively.
Beyond Solar: A Broader Energy Vision
Prologis’s commitment extends beyond rooftop panels. The company is investing in distributed energy resources, including battery storage and OnDemand Power, a portable microgrid solution for resilient energy management. With nearly 800 megawatts of solar and storage already deployed globally, Prologis is on track to reach 1 gigawatt by year-end. In Illinois, the 45-site portfolio will contribute to ComEd’s goal of 240 community solar projects by late 2025, collectively generating 520 megawatts—enough to power 71,000 homes.
Policy and Leadership Fuel Momentum
Illinois’ pro-solar policies, championed by Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, have created a fertile ground for projects like Prologis’s. State Representative Norma Hernandez emphasized the initiative’s impact, noting that it leverages underutilized rooftops to deliver clean energy and cost savings to working families. House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel praised the program as a testament to the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which has positioned Illinois as a national leader in community solar. These policies streamline project approvals and incentivize equitable access, driving rapid adoption.
A Model for Sustainable Logistics
Prologis’s initiative redefines industrial real estate by integrating clean energy into its core operations. By transforming warehouses into energy assets, the company not only reduces its carbon footprint but also supports local economies. Businesses leasing Prologis facilities benefit from lower energy costs, while communities gain access to reliable, renewable power. This scalable model could inspire other industries to rethink how infrastructure can serve dual purposes, blending commerce with environmental stewardship.
