Journal & Topics Media Group

Local Lawmakers Learn About Solar Technology In Wheeling


State legislators and local elected officials learned about the latest advances in solar technology at a Wheeling business during an Oct. 7 information session.

State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-29th) and State Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-57th) were joined by Wheeling Trustee Mary Papantos and village Economic Director John Melaniphy in touring Vivint Solar’s facility during the event. Representatives of the Illinois Solar Energy Association were also on hand.

Attendees were able to learn about jobs and consumer savings related to solar technology created at the facility.

Based in Utah, Vivint is one of the country’s largest residential solar companies. Currently 400 employees work at the 20,000 sq. ft. Wheeling site, and its employees have completed 600 installations this year, said Will O’Brien, communications representative for Vivint.

Employees from the company, including warehouse, installation, office administration and sales staff, discussed their roles in Illinois’ growing renewable energy economy. Vivint leaders also discussed solar technology and the importance of supporting renewable energy growth through state policy, said O’Brien.

Vivint supports the Path to 100 Act — known as Sen. Bill 1781 and House Bill 2966 — which would “fix the state’s renewable funding cliff and ensure Illinois meets its clean energy goals,” he added. “The Path to 100 would create more than 21,000 jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact.”

Vivint Solar is located at 70 Messner Dr.

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