Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Project Overview

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County partnered with Verde Solutions to bring renewable energy to its District Headquarters at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, Illinois. Verde developed a 409.5 kW-DC ground-mounted solar system featuring 700 solar modules, uniquely installed within the site of Danada’s historic former half-mile horse racetrack.

Over its projected lifetime, the system is estimated to generate more than 14.8 million kWh of clean electricity while offsetting approximately 9,956 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The project supports the District’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management while demonstrating how renewable energy can be thoughtfully incorporated into a distinctive public setting. The completed installation provides a visible example of the District’s investment in sustainability and clean energy for the communities it serves.

Industry

Municipalities & Government

Project Type

Ground Mount

Location

Wheaton, Illinois

SERVICES

– Utility applications & interconnection
– System design & engineering
– Permitting
– Procurement
– Installation
– Incentive filing & rebate application

Solutions Provided:

Verde Solutions developed a customized ground-mounted solar solution designed around the District’s energy goals, site conditions and day-to-day operations. The project required thoughtful planning to integrate a large-scale solar array within the historic Danada property while maintaining the character and functionality of the surrounding Forest Preserve. Verde coordinated the system design and installation to maximize clean energy generation and provide meaningful long-term environmental and financial benefits. With 700 modules strategically configured on the former racetrack site, the system transforms an underutilized area into a productive renewable energy asset. The installation will reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, help manage long-term electricity costs and advance the District’s sustainability objectives. The project demonstrates how public agencies can put available land to work while investing in cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure.

30-Year Equivalent to

Offsetting

9,956

metric tons of CO2

C02 Emissions from

23,153

barrels of oil consumed

Greenhouse Gases from

2,325

passenger vehicles

Carbon Sequestered by

174,611

tree seedlings grown for 10 years

Projects like this require expertise, collaboration, patience and a shared commitment to getting the details right.

We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life. While protecting land and wildlife will always be at the heart of our mission, this solar array is a visible and powerful example of that commitment.

Daniel Hebreard, President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County