Cook County Solar Synergy
Cook County Solar Synergy, which launched in 2025, connects contractors and job seekers with the resources they need to enter and succeed in the solar-installation sector. It also unites the County with several stakeholders in the solar-sector, small-business and workforce ecosystems as a way to share knowledge to support businesses and those working in the sector.
With the establishment of Solar Synergy and Cook County's participation in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development sought the assistance of World Business Chicago in undertaking a landscape assessment of the solar sector in Cook County.
- View the landscape assessment: Chicagoland Solar Landscape Assessment (2025)
- Read more about the landscape assessment in World Business Chicago's Business Pulse newsletter
For contractors
Contractors interested in solar installation can work with the Cook County Small Business Source (The Source), which provides:
- No-cost, one-on-one business advising through its network of Business Support Organizations
- Access to contractor-accelerator programs that offer specialized training, business-development support and networking opportunities
- Guidance in applying for the latest financing opportunities
- A robust calendar of informative events held both in-person and online
Sign up for business advising through The Source today to get started. (NOTE: When completing the intake form, be sure to check the box that reads: "My business does work related to solar installation and/or construction and I am interested in business advising services."
Sign up for The Source newsletter
For job seekers
Job seekers can take advantage of training programs led by two nonprofit organizations that prepare them for careers in solar installation.
The programs are:
- HIRE360's pre-apprenticeship training program, which prepares participants for apprenticeship opportunities in trades that support solar installation.
- OAI, Inc.'s LYTE Solar Pipeline Training Program, which prepares participants for entry-level employment in solar installation.
Uniting stakeholders
As part of this program, the County teams up with several stakeholders in the solar-sector, small-business and workforce ecosystems.
These stakeholders share knowledge intended to maximize businesses' returns and improve workers’ economic mobility.
Questions?
For more information, email bed.solarsynergy@cookcountyil.gov.