Energy & Action
ESI is committed to working with local communities to build a future powered by clean energy solutions.

We're excited to bring accessible clean energy to Illinois.

ESI is a partnership between Chicago business leaders and solar industry expert, US Solar. This unique collaboration will provide a varying perspective as we together bring more Community Solar to the Illinois grid. We believe everyone should be able to benefit from the important impacts of clean energy, without having to sacrifice savings or convenience. Together we can accelerate local impact while fighting our global climate crisis.

Our people

Together, We're Bringing Communities Clean Energy

Rena Henderson Mason
Co-Founder

In her role at ESI, Rena focuses primarily on project subscription and community engagement related matters.

Rena is a lifelong resident of the South Side of Chicago and Founder of Bold Agenda, a firm focused on empowering leaders to embrace change, push bold ideas, and build high-performing, diverse and inclusive teams. With an MBA from Harvard Business School and a background in commercial real estate, finance, operations and business development, Rena has over 20 years’ experience helping scale and develop successful businesses. She is driven to inspire leaders and shape the reality of equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across organizations. Rena is dedicated to her community, from serving on the board of the Arts Alliance Illinois, to fostering relationships with mission-driven organizations through Bold Agenda and raising her two sons in the community, Rena has always been drawn to the opportunity in Chicago, particularly on the South Side.

“The community issues of Chicago are unique, with the inequities of climate change being a key concern. Climate change is one of the top social justice issues of our generation and Equity Solar Illinois is working to be part of the solution.”
– Rena Henderson Mason

Marcellus H. Moore Jr.
Co-Founder

In his role at ESI, Marcellus focuses primarily on regulatory and community engagement related matters.

Marcellus was born and raised in Chicago and considers himself a Southsider at heart. Marcellus brings leadership experience from a distinguished law and business career, with over 20 years practicing in both fields. He is the owner and attorney at The Child Advocate Law Group and a The Alliance Law Group. Marcellus has a history of serving the Chicago community, from running a local Little League team to running for the 4th Ward of Chicago Alderman and serving as a Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims. He is a Board Member of several Chicago organizations, including Northeastern Illinois University Foundation, the Southside YMCA, and The Hyde Park Kenwood Legends, among other current and past affiliations.

“Civic connectivity is vital to the renewable energy transition. Equity Solar Illinois is an opportunity to deepen community relationships while accelerating access to clean energy.”
– Marcellus H. Moore Jr.

US Solar is a leading owner, developer, and operator of Community Solar Gardens. Its mission is to make solar energy accessible with simple, money-saving, long-term solutions that are good for the environment. Founded in 2014 by a group of industry veterans, US Solar brings expertise in developing Community Solar Gardens in the State of Illinois. US Solar’s experience will ensure ESI’s success in developing Community Solar Gardens under Illinois’s EEC program.

“US Solar is excited to partner with Rena and Marcellus in Equity Solar Illinois. This partnership deepens US Solar’s mission to provide access to clean, renewable energy that is as good for the user as it is for the environment. We are proud of the impact this partnership will have on the Illinois grid and its community members.”
– Shawn Mobley

Shawn Mobley
US Solar - President of Clean Energy

Shawn has been a Board member of US Solar since its founding in 2014 and now leads strategy and growth for the organization. Shawn is a 30-year Chicago resident, executive business leader and dedicated community member. He is Chairperson of HOBY International, one of the leading global youth leadership organizations, and is also active in a number of initiatives supporting Loyola University. In his role at ESI, Shawn focuses primarily on coordinating ESI’s project financing efforts.