Most clean energy developers see a building. We see a community.
What Sets Us Apart
Community-Scale
Solar
Solar installations serving entire communities—housing authorities, schools, churches, nonprofits.
Microgrid
Development
Energy security when the grid fails. Protection during outages, cost reduction year-round.
Workforce
Development
Local residents trained and hired for the jobs our projects create.
Community
Ownership
Governance models that give residents a voice in decisions and a stake in outcomes.
VGI Energy Solutions develops clean energy infrastructure autonomous power systems — solar, storage, microgrids — for urban communities in communities historically excluded from the clean energy transition.
We don't just install solar panels. We build resilience—the kind that keeps lights on when the grid fails, creates jobs in neighborhoods that need them, and ensures communities have a voice in their energy future.
Our flagship project, the Bronzeville Community Microgrid, earned U.S. Department of Energy recognition as America's "Community of the Future." It's proof of what's possible when communities, utilities, and mission-driven developers work together.
"This project illustrates how communities, government and local businesses can come together to transform properties with clean energy solutions... This is the model for the future."
— Terence R. Donnelly, President & COO, ComEd
From Bologna to America's "Community of the Future"
In 2015, an idea won an international climate competition in Bologna, Italy. Nine years later, it became a federally-recognized model serving 1,000+ families in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
1.2 MW solar + storage
1,000+ families served
$800K+ annual savings
DOE "Community of the Future"
What’s Next: THE CLIC
Bringing the proven model to Englewood
The Community Learning & Innovation Center (CLIC) will combine community-scale solar, workforce development, and community resilience (ownership) in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood—one of the state's highest energy-burdened communities.
Community-scale solar & storage | (Workforce training) | (Community ownership) | Physical gathering space
Leadership
Faustina A. Vincent
Co-Founder & VP of Sustainability, Climate & Resilience
Winner of 2015 international climate competition in Bologna, Italy. Executive education from Northwestern Kellogg, Chicago Booth, and Yale. Climate Reality Leader trained by Vice President Al Gore. 18+ years developing clean energy infrastructure in underserved communities.
Partner with us
Whether you're a housing authority seeking resilience solutions, a utility exploring community partnerships, or an impact investor looking for proven models—we'd like to hear from you.
