Toni Preckwinkle County Board President | Cook County Government
Toni Preckwinkle County Board President | Cook County Government
The Cook County Bureau of Asset Management has completed the installation of 1,346 solar panels on the roof of the Sixth Municipal District - Markham Courthouse in Markham, Illinois. This project is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to advance its 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 newly installed solar panels will generate energy on-site using sunlight, which will decrease the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased by the county. This move is expected to lower costs for taxpayers while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources such as coal or gas. The system includes signage at the courthouse to inform community members about how solar panels work and details about this specific project.
The rooftop photovoltaic system has a capacity of 743 kW/DC and is projected to supply approximately 26% of the annual electricity needs for the Markham Courthouse based on 2023 data. The system is estimated to produce around 918,900 kilowatt-hours each year and save about 419 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually.
Additional information about Cook County’s Clean Energy Plan, which was released in July 2020, can be found at their official site: Clean Energy Plan.