The State of Illinois (USA), has passed new legislation which enables a ramp-up of solar energy development in that state. The state government has approved a USD 4 million grant for the development of 62 MW of new solar energy capacity in Rockford, Illinois. This was announced at the opening of a solar panel manufacturing plant in Rockford, belonging to Wanxiang America Corporation.

The new solar project will be one of the lagest PV projects in the US, capable of generating enough clean electricity to supply about 10,000 average homes in the state. Additionally, this project will also create new jobs.

Illinois has set a renewable energy goal of 6% renewables by 2015, and the Rockford solar project will contribute to this plan.

The Rockford solar project is being developed by Rockford Solar Partners, a joint venture company between Wanxiang America Corporation (US subsidiary of Wanxiang (privately owned, China) and New Generation Power (Chicago, USA). The project represents an investment of about USD 320 million.

[source: New Generation Power, Wanxiang]