The Chicago Infrastructure Trust is eyeing solar energy for a potentially major new project.

In an offering posted today on its website, the trust says it is seeking bidders to finance, build and operate solar facilities that would generate electricity on city property as well as that of the Water Reclamation District and Field Museum.

The request for proposals says the generators could be located on roofs or grounds and could be used to reduce energy costs and create new jobs.

The trust apparently already has one bidder, unsolicited, for the job. A spokeswoman declined to name that bidder, since the bid "has triggered a competitive process" and, under trust rules, the names of competitors are not released until the agency's board makes a decision.

The spokeswoman also said it is uncertain when the trust will decide, or whether other private partners potentially could be added into the proposal. But bids from other interested parties are due by April 17, and the board doesn't may consider them at its April 21 meeting.

The unsolicited bid appears to be related to an upcoming auction of renewable-energy subsidy credits by the Illinois Power Authority.