Hardt Electric partners with the City of Chicago to bring renewable energy and long-term sustainability to neighborhood public libraries.
Chicago continues to expand its investment in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, and Hardt Electric is proud to support that mission through rooftop solar installations at Chicago Public Library branches as part of the City’s Chi100 renewable energy initiative.
These projects represent more than renewable energy upgrades — they demonstrate how solar energy solutions can strengthen communities, improve public infrastructure, and create more resilient neighborhoods across Chicagoland.
On Earth Day 2026, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined city officials, community leaders, and Chicago Public Library representatives to celebrate the completion of the newest Library Solar project at the Toman Branch in Little Village. The installation marks the third completed library solar project under the City’s broader effort to expand renewable energy access throughout Chicago neighborhoods.
For Hardt Electric, these projects reflects a long-standing commitment to helping communities throughout the Chicagoland area implement sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that deliver lasting impact.
Supporting Chicago’s Clean Energy and Community Goals
Chicago’s Chi100 initiative aims to transition all electricity consumed by the city to clean, renewable energy sources. In January 2025, Chicago successfully transitioned more than 400 municipal buildings and all city streetlights to renewable energy, making it one of the largest cities in the country to take this step.
The Chicago Public Library Solar program is an important part of that initiative because neighborhood libraries serve as much more than public buildings. They function as educational centers, gathering spaces, cooling centers, technology hubs, and trusted community resources.
By investing in renewable energy infrastructure at local library branches, the City is helping improve operational efficiency while supporting the long-term resilience of facilities that communities rely on every day.
The newly completed Toman Branch solar installation will:
- Offset 43% of the building’s electricity consumption through solar energy
- Reduce overall energy use by 22.9%
- Lower annual greenhouse gas emissions by 43.7%
- Improve comfort and reliability for staff and visitors
Projects at the Humboldt Park and South Chicago branches were completed in 2025, with a fourth installation currently underway at the West Lawn Branch.
Renewable Energy Solutions That Strengthen Communities
As communities across Chicagoland continue looking for ways to improve sustainability and reduce energy costs, solar energy projects are becoming an increasingly important part of long-term infrastructure planning. Public-sector renewable energy investments not only reduce environmental impact — they also help stabilize operating costs, improve energy resilience, and demonstrate environmental leadership within local neighborhoods.
Hardt Electric’s Chicagoland Renewable Energy Expertise
Founded in 1973, Hardt Electric has built a reputation throughout Illinois for delivering reliable commercial and industrial electrical construction solutions with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and long-term performance.
Hardt Electric specializes in:
- Commercial and industrial electrical new construction and renovation projects
- Design-build electrical services
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
- Battery energy storage systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits
- Electrical service upgrades and modernization
- Low voltage, communications, security, and AV systems
- Ongoing electrical maintenance and support
With more than 8 MW of solar installed across Illinois, Hardt Electric continues helping municipalities, businesses, and organizations throughout Chicagoland implement renewable energy solutions that support sustainability, operational efficiency, and community resilience.
Investing in Chicago’s Sustainable Future
The Chicago Public Library solar initiative demonstrates how renewable energy can positively impact neighborhoods, public spaces, and local communities for years to come.
As Chicago continues expanding clean energy infrastructure citywide, Hardt Electric remains committed to helping communities, organizations, and public institutions build a more sustainable and resilient future through innovative solar and energy solutions.