ComEd & Elevate Restore TRC Solar Device
In celebration of Earth Day, Elevate, ComEd, and SmartFlower are proud to announce the successful restoration and unveiling of the SmartFlower solar device at the headquarters of The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sustainable housing in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Originally donated by the Mohawk Group in 2018, the SmartFlower solar device has been out of commission due to damage but is now fully restored and operational.
The SmartFlower solar device is an advanced photovoltaic system that tracks the sun, generating up to 40% more energy than traditional solar panels. Its return to service will help reduce TRC’s utility costs, further supporting its work providing affordable housing for the Bronzeville community.
“We are proud to be part of this exciting restoration of the SmartFlower at The Renaissance Collaborative,” said Elevate Chief Program Officer, Antonia Ornelas. “This project is a powerful example of how innovative, sustainable solutions can benefit communities. By providing clean, renewable energy, the SmartFlower helps TRC lower its operating costs, support its vital work in affordable housing, and serve as a model for energy resilience in Chicago. At Elevate, we’re committed to working alongside our partners to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”
Located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) is a social impact organization that provides affordable housing, wellness support, and skill-building programming on Chicago’s South Side. The electricity generated by the SmartFlower helps power TRC’s headquarters, which houses apartments for unhoused individuals and the historic Former Wabash Y building. Additionally, the SmartFlower will power an outdoor charging station in TRC’s garden, providing a weather-resistant solution with outlets, USB ports, and optional lighting to keep devices charged during the day or night.
"We are incredibly grateful to all of the partners who lent their support and expertise to repair and upgrade the SmartFlower,” said Oji Eggleston, Executive Director of The Renaissance Collaborative. “The SmartFlower's central location in our garden inspires conversation with our residents and gives us the opportunity to educate this community, which has been historically impacted by pollution - to this day - and is often less informed on issues of environmental sustainability. The SmartFlower is a daily reminder of TRC's commitment to create a better living environment for future generations."
Every watt the SmartFlower generates means one less watt TRC needs to purchase from the grid, further reducing their operating costs and supporting their sustainable initiatives.
“As a ComEd Community of the Future, Bronzeville is a hub for cutting-edge solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents and promote a sustainable and affordable energy future,” said Dale Player, Vice President of Engineering and Smart Grid at ComEd. “We are proud to support the restoration of The Renaissance Collaborative’s SmartFlower. There’s no better place for this solar deployment to operate than a neighborhood that embodies the spirit of innovation and community.”
The SmartFlower is also a striking piece of public art that enhances the beauty of the community. The device serves as a symbol of innovation, beauty, and sustainability—a perfect blend of eco-friendly technology and modern design.
By producing clean, renewable energy, the SmartFlower reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainability. It provides a reliable and environmentally friendly energy source to power essential services, public spaces, and community infrastructure, contributing to a healthier, more resilient future for all.
