The Sanitary District of Decatur has a major solar initiative underway, with an FY 2026-27 capital project line of 5,431,000 for “Solar Arrays” (project 25ENG90) that is 98.87 percent budget-used/encumbered, plus a separate 4,721,280 grant-income line tied to solar arrays that has not yet been recognized as revenue. The Executive Director’s June 17, 2026 report also notes the District is in the process of changing its energy consultant from Seven Utilities to Progressive Business Solutions to better integrate future solar energy production with energy market interactions and to leverage Illinois Shines community solar programs that would require a 20‑year contract and are projected to save about 95,000 in the first year.These items show an active, multi‑year solar buildout plus parallel planning for participation in community solar and broader energy-market optimization, with the new consultant positioned as advisor but other engineering, EPC, technology, financing, and O&M decisions still open around build‑out, integration, and long‑term management. Vendors can help the District structure solar and storage phases, optimize interconnection and metering, support reporting for Illinois Shines, and provide monitoring, asset management, and performance analytics as the arrays move from construction to full production and as additional sites or phases are considered.

Progressive is described as more advanced in integrating future solar production with the energy market and has experience with Illinois Shines community solar programs that offer roughly a 10 percent rebate on purchased electricity.