Chicago Construction News staff writer
Cty officials gathered with community partners Friday to cut the ribbon on a new solar canopy in the Decatur Civic Center parking lot — a project expected to save taxpayers more than $120,000 each year while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
The $5 million installation was fully funded, owned, and maintained by developer Hawk-Attolo through a partnership with the City of Decatur, the Decatur Civic Center, and CQI Associates. Under a 15-year power purchase agreement, the city will buy clean energy generated by the canopy at a reduced rate, with no upfront cost to taxpayers.
“This project is a win for our environment, our economy, and our residents,” said Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “We’re modernizing city infrastructure while delivering real, long-term savings.”
The Civic Center solar canopy is just one part of a broader push to expand renewable energy across city facilities. Three additional solar initiatives are currently in development under similar agreements:
Decatur Public Library: Solar panels will be installed on the library roof, with plans to add up to four parking lot canopies. The project is expected to save the city over $100,000 annually.
William Street Pump Station: A ground-mounted solar array near Fire Station #2 is projected to cut energy costs by more than $18,000 per year.
Senator Severns Transit Center: A second phase of solar canopies is under study for the Civic Center parking lot to power the nearby transit hub. Savings estimates have not yet been released.
As with the Civic Center project, these systems will be installed and maintained entirely by the developer, with the city committing to long-term power purchase agreements to lock in lower utility rates.
The combined savings from the Civic Center, library, and pump station projects are expected to exceed $223,000 annually
City leaders say the approach allows Decatur to lead on sustainability without putting pressure on local budgets. “We’re proud to be building a greener future in a fiscally responsible way,” said Public Works Director Matt Newell.
The solar canopy also provides shaded parking for Civic Center visitors and sets the stage for future infrastructure upgrades, including potential electric vehicle charging stations.
