Chicago Construction News staff writer
Solar provider Nexamp has announced a $2 billion expansion plan, including a second national headquarters in Illinois.
“The state is far more than just an attractive market for solar generation—for Nexamp, it’s a state which shares our vision of a cleaner, more equitable energy future powered by a diverse, equitable, and skilled workforce,” Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai said in a statement. “As we sought a location for a second headquarters, Illinois was the natural choice because of our mutual interest in seeing clean energy work for – and do right by – everyone.”
As part of its collaboration with FEJA organizations, the company has developed new construction management roles that will only be offered to EEP candidates living in the greater Chicago area, helping to bring workers from all backgrounds into the solar industry. These efforts will ensure that Nexamp meets Illinois’ Minimum Equity Standard, which continues to play an important role in ongoing implementation of CEJA.
Nexamp’s first Chicago office opened in 2019 with five team members and has grown to 80 team members in five years. The company builds, owns, and operates community solar and storage projects that feed renewable energy to the power grid. There are roughly 75 projects in operation or under development in Illinois that will create nearly 4,000 jobs and generate close to 300 MW of energy, which is enough to offset the power needs of 50,000 average households.
“Nexamp’s decision to locate their new headquarters in Chicago after a positive experience in the state over the last five years is the latest example of why Illinois is the best place to live, work and do business,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The State of Illinois shares a vision of a clean energy future with Nexamp, and together we will continue to build the jobs of the future in the clean energy ecosystem.”
Nexamp will now partner with City Colleges of Chicago to develop a fellowship program that helps create a robust employment pipeline for local students that are interested in pursuing a career in the solar industry. Additionally, Nexamp is working with Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) job training organizations to ensure that Equity Eligible Persons (EEPs) are prioritized for new Nexamp jobs as they become available.
