September 14, 2025
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), a global champion in lung health, has taken another decisive step toward protecting the environment and advancing public health. With the expertise of Chicago-based Hardt Electric, CHEST’s 48,500-square-foot LEED-certified headquarters in Glenview, Illinois, is now powered in part by a state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
As an organization dedicated to improving lung health worldwide, CHEST has long recognized the link between climate change, air quality, and respiratory wellness. Their decision to invest in renewable energy reflects their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and leading by example in the health care community.
The Project: Clean Energy Meets Engineering Excellence
Hardt Electric, serving as the project’s EPC (Engineer, Procure, Construct) contractor, designed and installed a roof-mounted PV system tailored to CHEST’s facility and energy goals. The project included:
- High-Efficiency Equipment: The system incorporates over 560 solar panels developed by industry leader Maxeon. Maxeon’s solar technology was developed by more than four decades of research and innovation, delivering industry-leading efficiency in their product. Panels capture more sun in low light conditions—creating more energy earlier in the morning, on cloudy days, and later in the evening. Panels maintain their power advantage over time with the industry’s lowest warranted degradation rate. This technology allows Maxeon to have the industry leading warranty of 40 years, when their product is installed by a qualified contractor.
In this project design, Hardt Electric paired the solar panels with the innovative microinverter technology from AP Systems. AP Systems microinverter technology individually monitors and maximizes power generation for each module in the array, boosting system efficiency by up to 20 percent. Each APsystems microinverter handles multiple PV modules, lowering logistics, installation and balance-of-system costs. The micro-inverters are also engineered to comply with NEC code requirements for rapid shutdown, adding safety features during installation and for the end-user.
- Optimized Design: Roof angles, shading, and load capacity were carefully evaluated to maximize solar exposure while maintaining roof integrity.
- Smart Integration: Real-time monitoring provides CHEST with live performance data and system insights, empowering facility managers with full visibility into energy generation and savings.
- Sustainable Construction: The system was installed with a low-impact racking design that preserved the structural integrity of the roof while minimizing waste. Despite the roof’s limited load-bearing capacity, Hardt’s team adjusted this design—shifting from a ballast system to an anchored mounting solution that reduced weight without sacrificing system performance.
Environmental & Community Benefits
CHEST’s solar system is projected to generate approximately 341,000 kWh annually, offsetting nearly 30% of the facility’s electricity use. That translates into avoiding about 242 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year—the equivalent of taking 54 cars off the road, eliminating the burning of 27,000 gallons of gasoline, or planting 4,000 tree seedlings and growing them for a decade. Beyond reducing carbon, this shift lessens harmful pollutants that contribute to asthma and other respiratory conditions, directly supporting CHEST’s mission to advance lung health and improve air quality for the Chicagoland community.
“The solar installation at CHEST headquarters reflects our continued commitment to social responsibility and to advancing lung health,” said Robert Musacchio, PhD, CEO of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). “By lessening our reliance on conventional energy sources, we are addressing one of the leading contributors to air pollution, which is closely linked to respiratory disease.”
Robert Musacchio, PhD, CEO of The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST)
Financial Savings and Return on Investment
The solar installation also makes financial sense. With incentives including the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Illinois Shines Program (ABP) benefits, CHEST will see significant long-term savings:
- Payback Period: 6.8 years
- ROI: 175.3%
- Net Present Value: $484,594
- Lifetime Energy Savings: $1.75 million over 30 years
By year 25, the system will have generated nearly $1.5 million in positive cash flow, freeing resources that can be reinvested into CHEST’s programs, research, and patient advocacy efforts.
Hardt Electric’s EPC Advantage
This project underscores what sets Hardt Electric apart as an EPC solar partner:
- Comprehensive Oversight: From engineering to procurement to construction, Hardt managed every stage of the project with precision.
- Safety & Quality: Hardt Electric’s qualified workforce ensured that this project was well built, safely installed on time, and in compliance with local building and NFPA code requirements.
- Innovative Use of Technology: Hardt Electric’s integration of innovative solar panel and micro-inverter technology helped achieve the desired return on investment for this client.
- Client-Centered Approach: CHEST’s staff received system training and ongoing support, ensuring confidence in daily operations and long-term system performance.
From design to completion, Hardt Electric’s decades of professional experience in renewable energy construction offer the end-user a winning solution – for the environment and their bottom line.
A Shared Commitment to a Healthier Future
For Hardt Electric, the CHEST project represents more than a technical achievement—it reflects shared values. Both organizations are committed to sustainability, health, and building a cleaner future for communities in Chicago and beyond.
“CHEST is a leader in advocating for lung health, and this project demonstrates that their values extend beyond clinical care into environmental stewardship,” said Peter Hardt, President of Hardt Electric. “We’re proud to deliver an energy solution that supports their mission, supports a healthy environment, and offers an R.O.I that will help this organization focus funding that advances pulmonary health.”
As climate change continues to impact public health, partnerships like this between mission-driven organizations and forward-thinking contractors are critical. The CHEST solar project is a powerful example of how renewable energy can advance both environmental responsibility and economic efficiency.