Chicago - Industry Recruitment of Chicago Spire Solar

Chicago Spire Solar has closed.In early 2001, the City of Chicago offered financial incentives to Spire Corporation to locate a photovoltaic manufacturing plant in the City. The City committed to purchase and install at government facilities at least 250 kW of equipment from Spire at a cost of about $2 million. The equipment will be installed initially at schools, City colleges, and large fleet facilities. The City also settled litigation with its resident utility, Commonwealth Edison. As part of the settlement, ComEd has agreed to purchase and install within the City at least $12 million worth of solar photovoltaic equipment. The City worked out arrangements with ComEd so that at least $6 million of that commitment will be purchased from the Spire plant.Since Spire Solar Chicago's establishment in collaboration with the City of Chicago, ComEd, and BP Solar, the company committed to producing approximately $18 million in photovoltaic systems annually. Spire Corporation commissioned a 110 kilowatt photovoltaic system for Cook County's new Domestic Violence Courthouse in June, 2005. The Courthouse will be the County's first flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified "green" building. The PV system was designed to supply over five percent of the building's electricity demand. As of July 13, 2021 Spire Solar Chicago has closed down, for more information on Chicago solar initiatives.