Cook County Powers Ahead with Solar on Markham Courthouse Roof

Markham, IL -- The Cook County Bureau of Asset Management (BAM) announced today the completion of 1,346 solar panels on the roof of the Sixth Municipal District - Markham Courthouse, located at 16501 Kedzie Ave in Markham. The installation of the solar panels is part of Cook County’s aggressive action toward making progress on the goals of the Clean Energy Plan. 

“At Cook County, we’re committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and taking immediate action toward a more sustainable future.” said President Toni Preckwinkle, “The installation of these solar panels allow for cleaner air, less pollution, and provides local job opportunities. We’re proud of the steps we are taking for a more sustainable future.” 

The solar panels (which produce energy on-site using the sun’s energy), reduce the amount of energy the County needs to purchase, which is a cost-saving measure for taxpayers. Producing energy with clean energy sources (solar energy from the sun) reduces greenhouse gas emissions that come from traditional fossil fuels like gas or coal, and provides positive local environmental impacts. Signage has been installed in front of the courthouse to educate the community about the project and how solar panels function.  

The solar produced by the743 kW/DC rooftop PV (photovoltaic) system  is estimated to save about 26% of the electricity purchased each year for the Markham Courthouse (as of 2023 data), reducing operating costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that approximately 918,900 kwh will be produced annually, and an estimated 419 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions will be saved (as of 2023 data). 

To learn more about Cook County’s Clean Energy Plan, released in July 2020, please visit Clean Energy Plan.