Case Study

Packaging Personified – Carol Stream, IL

452 kW

System Size

$40,000/yr

Annual Savings

20%

Energy Offset

$1.2M

25-Year Savings

The Situation

Packaging Personified, a specialty packaging manufacturer in Carol Stream, IL (DuPage County), was paying ComEd approximately $100,000 annually. The company operated three shifts, making daytime solar production particularly valuable for offsetting peak operating hours. The owner connected with Commercial-Solar.org through a trade association contact.

Our Approach

Solar One Illinois designed a 452 kW rooftop system across the main manufacturing building. The project was structured under the ESP model, with the federal ITC and MACRS depreciation funding full cost. Illinois Shines SREC enrollment added supplemental income over a 15-year contract. ComEd interconnection was completed in 62 days.

The Outcome

The system generated $40,000 in annual electricity savings with $6,000 in annual SREC income, for $46,000 in total annual benefit. The ESP payment of $30,500 per year produces $15,500 in net first-year benefit. After the 6-year payment period, the company owns the system free and clear. Total 25-year savings: $1.2 million in electricity savings plus $90,000 in SREC income.

Client name changed for privacy. Results vary. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Questions About This Project

Is a 452 kW system typical for a manufacturer this size?

For a manufacturer spending $100,000 annually on electricity, 452 kW offset approximately 20% of consumption. Larger systems achieve higher offset but require more roof area and financing. The right system size balances available roof space, consumption profile, and financial goals.

How does Illinois Shines work for manufacturers?

Manufacturers in ComEd territory enroll in the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program as part of interconnection. SRECs are earned monthly based on production and paid quarterly by the approved buyer under a 15-year contract. No ongoing action is required after enrollment — the EPC handles all documentation and reporting.

What if our electricity consumption changes after installation?

If consumption decreases, excess solar is exported to ComEd at avoided cost rates under the Distributed Generation net metering program. The ESP payment remains fixed regardless of consumption changes. Significant sustained reductions would affect net cash flow, which is why our proposals include a sensitivity analysis for potential consumption changes.

Your Facility Could Achieve Similar Results.

Get a custom analysis showing what commercial solar saves your specific building, location, and business type.

(855) 801-0069