Castillo Engineering has been selected by Recon Corporation to provide design and engineering services for two new community solar projects in Illinois, with a total capacity of 15 MW DC. As part of the Shines or Adjustable Block Program in Illinois, these two 7.5 MW projects are located in Pontiac and Odell cities and will use single axis trackers.

These projects are expected to start construction in the first quarter of 2025 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. Prior to this announcement, Castillo and Recon acquired a portfolio of three projects (totaling 23 megawatts) in the first quarter of 2024. Once these latest projects are put into operation, Castillo and Recon will jointly complete projects exceeding 50 megawatts.

Recon President Scott Walker said, "Castillo remains our preferred partner because of their extensive experience in the Midwest and consistent track record in completing projects on schedule and within budget." "We look forward to further leveraging their internal expertise in civil, electrical, and structural engineering to provide more effective community solar projects for Illinois residents

In the past four years, community solar capacity in Illinois has tripled. In terms of community solar installed capacity, the state currently ranks among the top four states in the United States, second only to New York, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. This can be achieved through favorable legislation in the state. Illinois Shines plans to recently increase the size limit for qualified projects from 2 MW to 5 MW AC. These two new projects are the first projects in the new allowed scale completed by Castillo and Recon.

Christopher Castillo, CEO of Castillo Engineering, said, "We are delighted to once again have the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders like Recon Corporation in the Midwest. Their expertise is unparalleled in the region, and we look forward to helping them effectively execute this range of impactful community solar projects