New Illinois Commercial Solar Headquarters Now Open for Nelnet Renewable Energy
On February 20, 2025, Nelnet Renewable Energy welcomed customers, suppliers, partners, associates, and leadership to celebrate the opening of its new commercial solar installation headquarters in Wheeling, Ill. The move brings the organization’s commercial solar team under one roof, fostering greater collaboration and efficiency as the company continues to expand its presence as a leading commercial solar provider in Illinois.
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
Before consolidating in Wheeling, Nelnet Renewable Energy’s commercial solar team was spread across multiple offices in Elk Grove Village and Palatine. The new headquarters streamlines operations, bringing sales, project management, and administrative teams together in one location.
“Bringing our teams together under one roof allows us to collaborate more effectively and serve our customers even better,” said Adam Rue, Managing Director. “Wheeling has long been a hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation, making it a natural fit for our growing commercial solar operations.”
“I like being around people,” added Eric Gronwick, a commercial solar sales consultant who has been with the organization for six years. “In Palatine, we had five different offices—you had to go outside to get to another one. Here in Wheeling, there’s always more than a handful of people. I can hear the forklift beeping—it’s the noise of business activity, and to me, it’s a positive noise. There’s work being done.”
For the 50 or so team members who work in the field, Nelnet Renewable Energy’s new headquarters also provides a home. Rue notes, “Now I have groups of electricians and others who come in at the end of a workday or on days when they can’t work due to weather conditions just to spend time together. This is unusual in the construction world and it speaks to creating a culture of collaboration and joy.”
A Grand Opening With Meaningful Connections
The open house event served as both a celebration and an opportunity for commercial solar customers to engage with Nelnet Renewable Energy’s leadership. Leadership meetings took place throughout the day, and Gronwick assisted with ensuring potential customers attended.
“This event was more than a celebration—it was about deepening our relationships with customers and showing them firsthand what makes Nelnet Renewable Energy a trusted partner,” said Brandi Nye, Director of Business Development.
“I encouraged my customers to take advantage of the opportunity to meet some of our leadership people. Whether you like it or not, when you go solar, you're entering into a 30-year relationship with us,’” Gronwick said. “It turned out to be a great opportunity for them to talk with leadership.”
In addition to the open house, Gronwick also led a group of customers on a field trip to visit a commercial battery installation. The visit allowed customers under contract with Nelnet Renewable Energy to hear firsthand from another business about their experience installing commercial solar battery storage.
“They were very honest about their experience, even about project challenges they had and how Nelnet Renewable Energy responded,” Gronwick said. “They even shared something negative about the experience and still said they were glad they went with us. Nothing’s perfect. It’s how you respond to issues that arise that creates long-term relationships.”
The Nelnet Advantage: Stability and Expertise
As a C&I solar EPC firm in Illinois, Nelnet Renewable Energy is uniquely positioned to handle large-scale commercial solar projects. With years of experience and financial stability, the company provides a level of assurance that many newer firms can’t match.
“The solar industry is still relatively young, and there’s a lot of startup failure,” Gronwick explained. “It’s left customers in precarious situations. One of the things we bring to the table is stability. You're entering into a 30-year partnership. We're more likely to be here years from now than a private startup trying to make a leap into big commercial projects.”
Nye emphasized Nelnet Renewable Energy’s expertise. “Businesses need a partner with a proven track record. Our financial strength and vast experience throughout the lifecycle of large-scale commercial projects is reassuring for customers and works to their advantage. We provide confidence that customers can count on us for years to come.”
Key Questions to Ask a Commercial Solar Provider
For businesses considering solar, choosing the right partner is critical. Gronwick advises companies to ask direct, experience-based questions:
- How many projects like ours have you executed before? Many firms may claim expertise, but a proven track record matters.
- Can I talk to some of those customers? References from similar projects provide insight into the company’s reliability and customer service.
- How does the company handle challenges? No project is without hurdles—what matters is how the provider responds.
For more guidance, explore Nelnet Renewable Energy’s insight on finding the right solar partner.
Looking Ahead
With its new headquarters, Nelnet Renewable Energy is well-positioned to support businesses across Illinois with top-tier, full-service solar solutions. “Our consultative approach ensures we meet each client’s unique needs from start to finish,” says Gronwick. “And with first-rate Tier 1 equipment, we’re able to deliver the highest quality results.”
The Wheeling office has already hosted safety and compliance trainings for over 75 people and regularly accommodates a couple dozen associates at a time. “This new headquarters is a major step forward as we continue to expand our presence in Illinois,” said Rue. “It represents our commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering the best possible experience for our customers.”
In its quest to be the best commercial solar installer in Illinois, Nelnet Renewable Energy remains committed to providing top-tier service, financial expertise, and long-term stability for its customers. The Wheeling headquarters is more than just an office—it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation, and the bright future of commercial solar in Illinois.