Toyota Boshoku America, Onyx Renewables and other project partners gathered May 28 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a 5.7-MW solar project that will fulfill 85% of electricity needs at TBA’s Illinois plant with clean energy.
TBA chose to partner with Sol Systems, which originated and developed the project, to install a solar farm that maximized the energy produced by locating the system on land adjacent to Toyota Boshoku Illinois (TBIL)’s Lawrenceville manufacturing facility. Onyx Renewables then acquired the project, offering immediate energy savings to TBA and TBIL under a power purchase agreement without any upfront capital investment.
“This project is a testament to what’s possible when manufacturers, clean energy developers, and local communities work together toward shared goals,” said Anna Toenjes, associate VP of impact and business development at Sol Systems. “From Day 1, Toyota Boshoku brought vision and dedication to the table, and we’re proud to have developed a project that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits — from long-term energy savings to workforce development and pollinator-friendly land use.”
The newly completed ground-mount solar array, which spans approximately 17 acres adjacent to TBIL’s manufacturing facility, is expected to generate more than 9.5 million kWh of electricity in its first year. The project marks TBA’s largest onsite solar installation to date and is a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts toward carbon neutrality.
“We see it as our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. With the installation of a large-scale solar panel system at our U.S. facility, we’re taking a clear step toward more sustainable manufacturing,” said Kenji Sugito, TBIL president. “We remain committed to environmentally conscious practices that support a better future.”
Onyx Renewables completed the project’s final development and construction. Nelnet Renewable Energy, a full-service firm specializing in commercial and small-scale utility solar, served as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner. Onyx Renewables will continue to partner with TBA as the owner and operator of the project, ensuring it continues to deliver high-quality, affordable clean energy to TBIL.
“This is the kind of collaborative clean energy development that drives real progress and public support,” said Patty Rollin, chief commercial officer at Onyx Renewables. “Together with our partners, we are thrilled to deliver a project that reduces emissions, lowers energy costs, and sets a high standard for workforce development.”
The Onyx Renewables team worked closely with Nelnet to prioritize workforce development and environmental stewardship by allocating at least 15% of project labor for qualified apprentices and paying prevailing wages. In addition, Sol Systems committed to planting a pollinator-friendly habitat around the system. The plants, which Onyx has selected in consultation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will be seeded onsite, enhancing local biodiversity and reflecting TBA’s own vision of sustainability. The project also received additional federal support as an “energy community,” designated due to the area’s unemployment and fossil fuel employment numbers compared to the national average.
“From the beginning, it was clear that Onyx and Toyota Boshoku America wanted to go above and beyond to set a new standard for solar development that included local jobs and job training,” said Alyssa Martin, president of Nelnet Renewable Energy. “The project represents a replicable model for how other manufacturers can meet their energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.”
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