In a significant move towards sustainability, Toyota Boshoku America (TBA) recently celebrated the completion of a 5.7-MW solar project at its Illinois plant. This innovative initiative is set to meet 85% of the plant’s electricity needs with clean energy. The event, held on May 28, showcased remarks from leaders within TBA, local chamber of commerce representatives, and partners from Onyx Renewables, Sol Systems, and Nelnet Renewable Energy.
As companies face escalating energy prices and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, TBA has made a clear commitment to sustainable practices. By installing a solar array on a 17-acre site adjacent to their manufacturing facility, TBA has embraced renewable energy as a solution to stabilize costs and support its broader environmental goals. The partnership with Sol Systems, which developed the project, has enabled TBA to launch this ambitious solar farm without the burden of upfront capital investment, thanks to a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Onyx Renewables.
Anna Toenjes, the associate vice president of Impact & Business Development at Sol Systems, highlighted the collaboration, stating, “This project is a testament to what’s possible when manufacturers, clean energy developers, and local communities work together toward shared goals.” TBA’s determination and vision have been integral to realizing this project, which promises long-term economic and environmental benefits.
The completed solar array is expected to generate over 9.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in its first year, marking TBA’s most extensive onsite solar installation to date. This achievement aligns with the company’s ambitions for carbon neutrality, as outlined by Kenji Sugito, President of TBIL, who expressed pride in the plant’s sustainable manufacturing footing.
TBA’s commitment extends beyond just energy production. Ryan Hunt, vice president of TBA, emphasized the project’s significance in reducing their carbon footprint and underscored aspirations to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “We’re proud to partner with companies like Onyx, Sol Systems, and Nelnet to bring clean, reliable energy to Lawrenceville,” he said.
Onyx Renewables played a crucial role in the project’s development, acting as the owner and operator while Nelnet Renewable Energy fulfilled the engineering, procurement, and construction duties. Their collaboration illustrates a broader trend: industries are increasingly recognizing the necessity of sustainable energy solutions.
Significantly, this project also prioritizes workforce development and environmental stewardship. Onyx Renewables is committed to offering local job opportunities, allocating at least 15% of project labor to qualified apprentices and adhering to prevailing wages. Additionally, Sol Systems will establish a pollinator-friendly habitat around the solar array, enhancing local biodiversity while reflecting TBA’s sustainability vision.
Patty Rollin, Chief Commercial Officer at Onyx Renewables, stated, “This is the kind of collaborative clean energy development that drives real progress and public support.” This collaboration has not only reduced emissions and costs but also set a benchmark for workforce development standards.
The project also received recognition as an “energy community,” qualifying for federal support due to specific local economic conditions. This designation offers further encouragement for similar renewable projects across the nation, especially in areas feeling the economic strain of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Alyssa Martin, President of Nelnet Renewable Energy, expressed optimism that this project could serve as a replicable model for other manufacturers looking to achieve energy sustainability without compromising the environment. The focus on local jobs and job training reinforces the idea that clean energy initiatives can drive economic growth even in communities facing economic hardship.
Moving forward, the successful implementation of this solar array not only marks a pivotal milestone for TBA but also serves as an inspiring blueprint for manufacturers across the United States. With the call for more sustainable practices echoing louder in the face of climate change, initiatives like these are essential for forging a cleaner, greener future.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding energy production and sustainability continues to unfold, as evidenced by discussions at events such as POWER’s upcoming conference. Scheduled for October 28-31, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, the conference will address distributed energy projects like the one in Illinois, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.
As we witness more companies taking bold steps toward sustainable solutions—such as TBA’s newly completed solar project—it becomes increasingly clear that the combined efforts of stakeholders at all levels can lead to meaningful reductions in carbon footprint, energy costs, and the creation of job opportunities. The successful completion of this solar array is not just a victory for Toyota Boshoku America but a hopeful signal for the manufacturing industry as a whole, indicating that sustainable practices and profitability can indeed go hand in hand. Through continued dedication and collaboration, we can work towards a future that benefits both our economy and our environment.
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