Will County Solar Farm

Every project advanced by ACCIONA undergoes extensive environmental review and includes consultation with local agencies responsible for conservation and wildlife. These agencies include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of the Interior, the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, and the Will County Forest Preserve.

The Will County solar project will include plantings to reduce storm water runoff, improve topsoil and improve habitat for pollinators. The project entered into an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement with the Illinois Department of Agriculture which aims to establish measures that ensure sustainable coexistence by addressing concerns such as soil preservation, land use practices, and decommissioning of the solar project. Additionally, Acciona plans to develop a Conservation Plan for the project that will be submitted to the Will South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Location: Will County, Illinois.
• Capacity: 300 MW PV
• Technology: Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels affixed to solar trackers. The project will use monocrystalline panels that meet accepted industry safety standards. The panels are primarily composed of silicon, aluminum, and glass, all of which are non-toxic. They are sealed, covered in tempered glass, fitted with another layer of plastic or glass on the back, and framed in aluminum - making leakage not possible. Clean energy projects are built to meet strict design and structural standards related to structural integrity, efficiency, safety, and aesthetics and are intended to withstand various harsh environments.
• Anticipated Timeline:
  • Local Permitting: 2025
  • Construction: 2026
  • Begin Operations: 2027
• Owners: ACCIONA Energía

KEY POINTS

• Will be ACCIONA’S third Illinois project after the Eco Grove wind farm and High Point solar project, both located in Stephenson County, IL.
• Site will feature PV solar panels, affixed to solar trackers that maximize production throughout the day. The panels are primarily composed of silicon, aluminum, and glass, all of which are non-toxic.
• Expected to generate millions in local tax revenue over the life of the project, while offering income diversity to the landowners participating in the solar farm. Will County is estimated to receive over 3 million dollars in additional tax revenue over the lifespan of the project while the Reed-Custer School District is estimated to receive upwards of 23.5 million.
• Up to 300 new jobs during peak construction and an estimated 12 permanent jobs once operational.
• A local operations team will work on the project site out of a dedicated Operations and Management (O&M) Building. That team is supported by ACCIONA Energía's remote operations center located in Chicago, which is staffed 24 hours a day and coordinates with the local teams on any issues that could arise. A landscape crew will be on site periodically to conduct grass and pollinator maintenance to ensure compliance with Illinois noxious Weed Law.