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WE MAKE SOLAR WORK FOR YOU

ABOUT US

Sangamon Solar was established in 2018 so Illinoisans could Own their Energy. Over the last several years, we've grown to provide services that range from Installation to REC processing to Power Purchase Agreements to Commercial Solar.  

Our belief at Sangamon Solar is simple: people should own and pay less for their electricity.

We strive to make the solar installation process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Our qualified and dedicated team will ensure that your project is completed on your preferred timeline, at your ideal pace. Your peace of mind is our top priority.

YOUR TEAM OF SOLAR EXPERTS

YOUR TEAM OF SOLAR EXPERTS

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Elijah, or just Eli, founded Sangamon Solar so he, and customers throughout Central Illinois, could make money installing renewable energy. Over the last 7 years, Sangamon Solar has interconnected more than 91 installations across the state, or 1300 kw of solar installed. As of December of 2024, we are 14 employees strong. We look forward to the years ahead thanks to our dedication to quality, improvement, and, first and foremost, our customers.  Solar can be complicated. We've worked to make discussing solar concise and enjoyable; right now and for the next 15 + years to come. Prior to founding Sangamon Solar, Eli worked researching renewable energy and waste management technologies usable for the US Dairy Industry. Eli enjoys hiking, canoeing the Sangamon River, reading, Spotify, board games, and family time.   

Elijah Smith, CEO & Founder

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Brenden is Sangamon Solar's Residential Project Developer and Salesman. With 2+ years experience discussing landscape alterations with home and business owners, Brenden is just the person you want to be discussing the pros and timeline of installing solar. Brenden has studied horticulture at Parkland College and is getting his BS in Business Administration from University of Maryland online. Brenden enjoys playing basketball, soccer, running and hiking. 

Brenden Jewsbury, Project Developer and Salesman

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Beth Fronczak, Project Developer 

Beth is Sangamon Solar’s newest Project Developer. Beth brings a wealth of experience in property design and alterations with over 15 years of Property Management experience to the team. She is a graduate of the Recreation, Sport and Tourism program at our very own University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and also studied Marketing at Parkland College. She loves long road trips across the country with her dog, Dutch, spectating all sports (especially her beloved Illini), hiking, fantasy football and board games.

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Kristian Hopkins, Project Administrator

Kristian is a double graduate of the University of Illinois with a Master's in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Kristian's value at Sangamon Solar can't be overstated. He ensures the customers get their state incentives payments as quickly as possible and assists "stranded customers" whose solar companies have gone out of business. His experience working with government bodies, non-profits, political campaigns, and other organizations as well as his connections to the community bring a highly valued perspective to the company. Kristian enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with his dogs Paulie and Pancake. 

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Emmett Drew, Project Developer 

Emmett holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, with a minor in Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. He ensures the smooth development and execution of solar projects. His experience as a Corporate Student Liaison at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment has equipped him to effectively manage customer relationships and deliver projects. Emmett enjoys rugby, hiking, camping, Chicago sports, and spending time with his family and friends.

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Adam Campbell, REC Specialist 

Adam Campbell has been working to solve customer’s needs for two decades across various industries including food service, retail, and property management. Adam is committed to finding solutions that best help each individual. Currently Adam is working to connect individuals from a variety of unique with the IL Shines program. Adam enjoys baking, is an enthusiast of all things nerdy: from comics and gaming to science and the arts. In his free time he can be found with his family; Nikki and Roxy along with his animal companions Kylo and Rocko.

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Shir Ahmad Popalzai , Electrician and Project Manager

Shir is Sangamon Solar's In House  Electrician. Shir was born in Afghanistan and studied Electrical Engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University. Shir worked as an Electrical Quality Assurance Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Afghanistan from 2014 to 2019. Shir has spent more than 5 years in Solar and has more than 150 roof and ground mounted solar installations. Shir is OSHA 10 and NABCEP PV Certified.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday: 8 am - 5 pm

Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Office: 309-270-6261

Sangamon Solar

807 Dennison Drive 

Champaign, IL 61820

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