Local solar installer, Tick Tock Energy, recently completed a commercial-scale solar project for the not-for-profit organization, Community Support Systems (CSS), based in Teutopolis, IL. The 62.9 kW installation includes 185 solar panels and is estimated to generate 100% of the annual needs of the organization’s Harvester Street location in Teutopolis. This unique project was partially funded by a private donor, who provided a $30,000 donation to offset costs. Additionally, Tick Tock Energy and Pals Electric donated a portion of their labor and the Illinois Shines Program’s Solar Renewal Energy Credit (SREC) incentive will provide an estimated $63,000 incentive paid over 5 years.

This collaborative effort will allow CSS to continue their operations with energy savings estimated at more than $100,000 over the next 10 years. In addition to the energy savings, the solar project has a return on investment of nearly 18%. This is critical revenue for a non-profit and should help CSS continue to fulfill their mission for years to come.

When asked about CSS’s motivation for going solar, Executive Director Andy Kistler said, “a very progressive-minded foundation board said, ‘let’s go for this and see if we can’t get some help from a very non-traditional source in reducing our resources needed for energy.’”

As for the benefits to CSS’ operations, Kistler explained, “we are expecting to reduce our power bill by some $11k or $12k a year just at that facility. So, it was a pretty easy decision to make when you look at the cost savings and the return on investment due to those incentives that were available.” He continued, “we fully anticipate and have full trust and confidence in the folks at Tick Tock Energy and Pals Electric. They’ve been a fantastic supporter of the programs and services that we provide.”

CSS began in 1962 by a group of individuals concerning the needs and lack of services for children with disabilities. Today, the organization is comprised of more than 125 staff members, a ten-member Board of Directors, and it serves more than 3,000 area residents through their advocacy, education, housing, employment, and family support programs. The organization’s mission is “to enhance opportunities for individuals to live, learn, work, and play.”

Tick Tock Energy, headquartered in Effingham, IL, is a leading solar installer in Illinois and the Midwest for residential, farm, business, and non-profit customers and has been recognized as a Top 500 Solar Contractor in the US for the past 6 years. Pals Electric is the primary installation subcontractor on Tick Tock Energy projects and top-quality contractor serving commercial, agricultural, and residential customers in the area.