Illinois Carport Showcases Unique Usage for Commercial Solar

Windfree Solar’s recent collaboration with Turano Baking Co. highlights how innovative solar solutions are transforming the way businesses power their operations while meeting sustainability goals. Located in Oak Park, Illinois, this project combines two powerful solar technologies—carport and rooftop installations—to create an energy-efficient future for the company.

Turano’s journey toward solar energy began in October 2020 with an eye on sustainability and long-term savings when the Turano team, led by Anthony Turano, reached out to Windfree Solar to learn about options for solar installations.

While many companies may assume rooftops are the only place for solar, Windfree showed Turano that carports are an equally great solution, especially when roof space is limited or when a large parking lot exists. By building a 227 kW carport installation which was energized in the fall of 2024, Windfree Solar was able to maximize available space without sacrificing valuable land.

This carport installation features five arrays behind the meter, directly feeding Turano's main headquarters. The energy generated, totaling approximately 380,000 kWh annually, will save Turano an estimated $30,000 per year. These kinds of savings not only contribute to the company’s bottom line but also support its sustainability goals.

Turano Baking Co., known for its commitment to quality and community, is now also setting an example of how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. The solar project at their headquarters is part of a broader campus vision that emphasizes eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.

Anthony Turano, a key leader in the project, was deeply involved in bringing this initiative to life. For him, this was not just a business decision—it was a passion project that aligns with the company’s values.

“Our goal is to continue bringing solar energy to other sites across the country,” Anthony said.

As Illinois continues to embrace renewable energy, solar carports are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses seeking to achieve their sustainability goals.

“A lot more corporations and businesses are coming to us wanting to utilize their land, and carports are a great solution for this,” said Jack Johanneson, Director of Sales and Business at Windfree Solar.

The project at Turano Baking Co. demonstrates that even without expansive rooftop or field space, companies can harness the power of the sun, whether with creative solutions like carport-mounted solar or by subscribing to community solar arrays.