Deerfield Celebrates Completion and Ribbon Cutting of New Solar Array to Advance Sustainability and Reduce Costs

The Village of Deerfield officially celebrated the completion of its landmark renewable energy project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Village’s Water Reclamation Facility today. The newly operational 574.6 kW-DC ground-mount solar array marks a monumental step forward in the Village's commitment to sustainability and long-term taxpayer savings.

Construction on the solar field successfully concluded following its mid-October 2025 groundbreaking. By strategically securing all available state, federal and utility incentives, the Village successfully offset more than 70% of the total project cost, delivering an environmentally impactful project with minimal local financial liability.

This initiative directly advances the goals of Deerfield’s Climate Action Report, which sets ambitious objectives to reduce community emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve total carbon neutrality by 2050. Now fully operational, the solar installation is actively delivering results by:

Generating Power: Producing more than 645,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting approximately 23% of the wastewater facility’s grid power use.
Slashing Costs: Delivering more than $1.1 million in guaranteed utility savings over the system’s lifetime.
Cutting Carbon: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 275 metric tons of CO2 annually with the environmental equivalent of removing 61 gasoline-powered cars from the road for one year or the carbon capture of 320 acres of U.S. forests.

“Seeing this solar array fully operational and pushing clean energy to our facility is a proud moment for Deerfield,” said Deerfield Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro. “This project represents more than just cost savings; it reflects Deerfield’s responsibility to future generations. By flipping the switch on solar energy at our Water Reclamation Facility we are improving air quality, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and proving that local government can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable community.”

“Wastewater treatment plants are traditionally among the highest energy users in any municipality,” said Danielle Melone, Senior Account Manager at Veregy, the project’s performance contractor. “By deploying this renewable solar power asset, Deerfield is leading by example. Veregy is incredibly proud to celebrate this ribbon cutting alongside the Village, showcasing to communities across Illinois how to successfully crush utility costs while making a permanent, positive impact on the environment.”

A Bright Future Powered by Clean Energy

By combining cutting-edge solar technology with thoughtful financial planning, the Village of Deerfield is actively charting a path toward long-term resilience. The successful completion of this project highlights how local governments can simultaneously protect taxpayer dollars and contribute meaningfully to global climate goals.

Deerfield Family Days Returns July 3 and 4

Deerfield Family Days returns Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, bringing two days of festive fun as the community comes together to celebrate Independence Day and America 250.

The celebration begins Friday, July 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Shepard Park with live music, food and drinks, children’s activities and fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.

The fun continues Saturday, July 4, at Jewett Park and around town with a full lineup of family-friendly events, including the 5K Rotary Race, Breakfast in the Park hosted by the Deerfield Lions Club, a dog show, children’s activities and rides, the bike parade at the Rosemary Terrace lot, a pie-eating contest and more.

The Fourth of July Parade steps off at noon from Deerspring Pool, travels west on Deerfield Road, north on Waukegan Road and ends at Hazel Avenue and Park Avenue.

Residents are encouraged to register in advance for the Rotary Race and the pie-eating contest and be part of the holiday fun.

The Village is proud to recognize Judy Geuder as the 2026 Deerfield Family Days Parade Marshal. A Deerfield resident for 45 years, Geuder is being honored for more than two decades of volunteer service and leadership, including 14 years on the Family Days Commission and more than 20 years with the Deerfield Optimist Club. She currently serves as president of the Friends of the Deerfield Public Library.

Join us for a memorable holiday weekend filled with celebration, tradition and hometown pride. Check out the full lineup online.

Little red schoolhouse in the Historic Village

Ice Cream, Music and History at Deerfield Historic Village

Celebrate summer with an afternoon of music, treats and local history at Deerfield Historic Village, 450 Kipling Place, on Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m.

The event will feature a performance by the Deerfield Community Band, an ice cream truck on site and a special historic flag display for visitors to enjoy.

Hosted by the Deerfield Area Historical Society, the program is part of the organization’s summer offerings at the Historic Village. In addition to special events throughout the season, the Historical Society also provides free tours of the historic buildings every Sunday through September.

Residents are invited to stop by, enjoy the afternoon and explore one of Deerfield’s treasured community landmarks.

Local Artist Spotlight Series at Deerfield Public Library

The Deerfield Public Library is hosting a new Local Artist Spotlight Series this June, featuring three local artists in a program sponsored by the Deerfield Fine Arts Commission.

The final program in the series will take place on Tuesday, June 30, at 5:30 p.m., featuring local artist Leslie Outten in the downstairs A/B/C Room.

Outten has been an active Deerfield resident for nearly 50 years. She supported her three children throughout the Deerfield school system, contributing time and leadership as a PTO President and chair of many committees from elementary school through high school.

Her artistic journey has included a wide range of creative experiences, from cake decorating and holiday window painting to creating stencils for lamps and vases, illustrating holiday cards and more. After her children began leaving the nest, Outten pursued a formal art education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Though she initially felt hesitant about being one of the older students, she found encouragement in her eldest child’s advice: “Remember Grandma Moses!”

Today, Outten is recognized as a Representational Artist and Calligrapher, winning awards and exhibiting and selling work in both genres.

This informative series offers residents a chance to learn more about local artists and their work while celebrating Deerfield’s creative community. Registration is free and available online.

Village Vehicle Stickers Due by July 1

Applications for 2026 vehicle stickers are now live. Stickers must be displayed on all vehicles registered or garaged in Deerfield by July 1.

Stickers for passenger vehicles cost $30 if purchased by June 30. After June 30, a 50 percent late penalty is assessed. If you did not receive your application, you still need to have your stickers by July 1. Additional applications are available online or at Village Hall. The Village offers an online payment system for vehicle stickers. Visit the Village website and click the “Pay Online” button on the homepage. There is no additional charge for online payment.

Additional vehicle sticker purchasing options include in-person at Village Hall, returning the renewal application by mail, or using the payment drop box located in the median just south of Village Hall on Jewett Park Drive. The deadline to display a new 2026 sticker is July 1.

This year’s sticker celebrates the 250 years since the founding of our country.

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