Home » Forging Ahead with Solar: Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group
Forging Ahead With Solar
Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group
Illinois
2019-2025
Founded in 1988, Forge Resources Group (FRG) is a Midwest-based metal manufacturer producing forged components for agricultural, industrial, and heavy equipment applications.
To support energy-intensive operations and long-term growth, FRG partnered with StraightUp Solar on four manufacturing solar installations in Illinois, using on-site solar energy to stabilize operating costs and invest in their workforce, while reinforcing their commitment to innovation and responsible stewardship within the communities they serve.
Stabilize your energy costs and invest for the long-term with solar.
System Details
Location, Date, & Size
System 1 (S1)
Rock Falls, IL | 2019
1.3 MW (DC)
System 2 (S2)
Freeport, IL | 2021
892.5 kW (DC)
System 3 (S3)
DeKalb, IL | 2024
982.8 kW (DC)
System 4 (S4)
Rockford, IL | 2025
906.24 kW (DC)
Equipment
S1
3768 REC 345W Panels
21 SMA Inverters
S2
2,394 REC 375W Panels
12 Sungrow Inverters
S3
2,184 Boviet 450W Panels
7 Delta Energy Inverters
S4
1,536 QCells 585W Panels
6 SMA Inverters
Energy Production
Annual kWh
S1: 1,734,598
S2: 1,208,827
S3: 1,293,670
S4: 1,195,000
Energy Offset
S1: 100%
S2: 96.22%
S3: 100%
S4: 98.77%
Savings
Lifetime Savings
S1: $3,154,535
S2: $3,604,383
S3: $4,206,831
S4: $2,717,519
Payback
S1: 3.3 Years
S2: 5.7 years
S3: 5.0 years
S4: 6.0 years
Solar Story
Challenge: Managing Energy Costs in a Power-Intensive Manufacturing Environment
Manufacturing forged metal parts requires significant, consistent energy input. As Forge Resources Group continued to grow, energy costs became one of the company’s largest controllable expenses, second only to labor.
At the same time, the leadership team wanted to:
- Reduce exposure to long-term utility rate increases
- Make strategic investments that would strengthen competitiveness
- Reframe manufacturing from an old, unchanging industry to one driven by innovation and responsible leadership—strengthening trust with employees, customers, and the communities where they operate.
Solution: Large-Scale Solar Built for Manufacturing Operations
StraightUp Solar partnered with Forge Resources Group to design a phased commercial solar solution aligned with manufacturing-scale energy demand.
The project includes four solar arrays with a combined capacity of 3.5 MW, designed to integrate with existing facilities and utility infrastructure. StraightUp Solar supported the project from early feasibility and incentive guidance through permitting, construction, and commissioning—helping navigate utility coordination and complex timelines.
Ongoing monitoring and service ensure the systems continue performing as a reliable part of FRG’s long-term operations.
Results: Energy Stability That Supports Growth
With solar now producing power on-site, Forge Resources Group has stabilized a portion of its energy costs—reducing exposure to market volatility and supporting more predictable operating expenses.
The project has also:
- Reinforced FRG’s reputation as a forward-thinking manufacturer
- Become a visible investment in the company’s future for employees and prospective hires
- Supported long-term planning by helping control one of the company’s most variable operating costs
By reinvesting energy savings back into facilities, equipment, and workforce, FRG is using solar to strengthen both business performance and community presence.
Why StraightUp Solar?
Forge Resources Group selected StraightUp Solar for their experience delivering complex industrial solar projects for manufacturers—and for the long-term support that extends well beyond installation. As Vice President Kent P. shared, “StraightUp Solar had the expertise and project management skills to get this project done… in a timely manner and not have surprises.” Our full-time O&M team ensures the system continues delivering value well beyond installation.
“StraightUp Solar offers help after the project is implemented—they monitor our solar array and make sure that it’s generating the power it should generate. They do regularly planned site visits to make sure that everything’s functioning the way it should function. If I have questions I know that I can call them, so it’s not one of those scenarios where they do the project and then they’re gone. They’re invested in us as a company and they care about our success.”
Lucas Ray, Controller, Forge Resources Group
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Incentives Overview
This chart demonstrates the financial breakdown of Forge Resources Group’s 2019 commercial solar project in Rock Falls, IL.
See the key federal and Illinois incentives that helped improve this project’s economics and made a meaningful difference in the overall return on investment.
All scenarios are unique. You financial breakdown may differ.
System Cost
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Smart Inverter Rebate
MACRS & Bonus Depreciation
Project Photos




















