Libman Cleans Up Energy Costs with Major Illinois Solar Deal

ARLINGTON, VA – February 18, 2026 – In a landmark move bridging Illinois’ industrial heritage with its clean energy future, The Libman Company, a 125-year-old cleaning product manufacturer, has entered a long-term community solar partnership with Summit Ridge Energy, the nation’s leading commercial solar developer. The deal will see Libman subscribe to seven new solar projects, injecting 17.5 megawatts (MW) of locally generated power into the state’s grid and securing millions in projected energy savings for the historic manufacturer.

The partnership, announced today, marks a significant step for both companies and for Illinois' evolving energy landscape. Libman, a fourth-generation family business operating in Arcola, Illinois since 1896, will source energy credits from the Summit Ridge-owned projects to power its extensive manufacturing operations. The solar farms are slated to begin delivering power in late 2026, providing a new model for how legacy industries can leverage renewable energy without the need for disruptive on-site installations.

A New Blueprint for Green Manufacturing

For The Libman Company, a fixture in Illinois for over a century, the decision is a strategic blend of fiscal prudence and long-term vision. By subscribing to community solar, the company gains access to clean energy at a predictable, lower cost, a significant advantage for an energy-intensive manufacturing facility.

"As a family-owned manufacturer with more than a century of operating in Illinois, we’re focused on making smart, long-term decisions for our business and our workforce,” said Andrew Libman, President at The Libman Company. “Community solar helps us reduce energy costs while supporting local power generation and economic activity across the state.”

This move allows Libman to achieve sustainability goals and substantial financial benefits simultaneously. While specific figures are not disclosed, community solar subscribers in Illinois typically realize electricity bill savings of 10-15%, with some programs offering up to 20%. For a large industrial user, these percentages can translate into millions of dollars over the lifetime of a 15- or 20-year contract, freeing up capital for reinvestment into operations, innovation, and its local workforce. This model is increasingly attractive to businesses that lack the roof space or land for their own large-scale solar arrays.

Powering Illinois' Clean Energy Transition

This 17.5 MW agreement is more than just a private contract; it’s a direct contribution to Illinois’ ambitious clean energy goals. The state's 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) set a target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2050. Community solar projects are a cornerstone of this strategy.

“This collaboration demonstrates how locally generated power can deliver real value for manufacturers --lowering energy costs, strengthening the grid, and supporting local jobs,” said Owen Brannigan, Director of Business Development at Summit Ridge Energy. “We’re proud to partner with a company like Libman that has deep roots in Illinois and a long-term commitment to the communities where it operates.”

The seven projects will also fuel local economies. The solar industry has become a powerful engine for job creation in the state. In 2023, the sector employed over 5,000 workers—a 30% increase from 2020—and contributed over $3.2 billion to the state’s economy. The construction and ongoing maintenance of these new solar farms will create jobs in fields like engineering, project management, and site operations. This growth is supported by state-level programs like Illinois Shines, which provides incentives that make projects economically viable for developers and affordable for subscribers like Libman.

Strengthening the Grid from the Ground Up

Beyond the economic benefits, the partnership addresses a critical challenge: grid reliability. By generating power close to where it’s consumed, distributed energy resources (DERs) like these community solar farms help fortify the electrical grid.

This localized generation reduces reliance on long-distance transmission lines, which are often congested and can experience significant energy loss. Placing 17.5 MW of new capacity directly into the local network helps alleviate strain, particularly during peak demand periods on hot summer days. According to a report from utility ComEd, distributed generation in Illinois reduced the state's capacity obligation by 479 MW for the 2025 delivery year, resulting in an estimated $47 million in avoided costs for ratepayers.

These projects function within the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that manages the grid for 13 states, including Illinois. As PJM faces challenges with capacity pricing and grid stability, the integration of distributed solar is seen as a key strategy for maintaining reliability and protecting consumers from price spikes. This deal demonstrates a market-based solution that contributes directly to a more resilient and modern energy infrastructure for the entire region.

The Architecture of a Modern Energy Deal

Finalizing a partnership of this scale requires navigating a complex landscape of energy markets, state regulations, and financial models. The collaboration highlights the growing ecosystem of experts who facilitate the clean energy transition for businesses.

Bridge Energy Services acted as Libman’s community solar advisor, guiding the manufacturer through the procurement process to ensure the terms were optimal for their long-term business needs. This advisory role is becoming increasingly crucial as more companies seek to tap into renewable energy without dedicated in-house expertise.

“Community solar is one of the most effective tools for manufacturers looking to control energy costs without operational disruption,” said Matthew Keith, Vice President of Energy Projects at Bridge Energy Services. “We help clients identify the best opportunities in their market and secure optimal contract terms on their behalf. Summit Ridge's experience and commitment to the Illinois market made them the ideal partner for Libman.”

This partnership serves as a powerful case study, illustrating how strategic collaboration between a developer, an industrial consumer, and an expert advisor can unlock the full potential of state-sponsored renewable energy programs. As Illinois continues its path toward a 100% clean energy future, such alliances will be essential in transforming policy into megawatts on the grid and tangible benefits for the state's economy and environment.