KANE
COUNTY, Ill., March 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lightstar Renewables
announces the successful permitting of the Nesler Road agrivoltaics
community solar project. At 4.95 MW AC and spanning 36 acres, this
is the largest privately developed and commercially operated
crop-specific agrivoltaics project in Illinois. The project will generate enough
clean, renewable solar energy to power 1,100 Illinois homes each year, all while
maintaining the land's agricultural vitality by cultivating hay;
providing necessary nutrients to grazing livestock during winter
months and drought periods.
"This exemplifies the value in safeguarding
family land from development, keeping it active in agriculture
production."
Executed approvals from the zoning board of appeals, the
development committee, and the county board culminated in making
the Nesler Road project officially permitted this March. Nesler
Road will be submitted for capacity in the Illinois Shines Program
this summer.
Fresh Energy, Fresh Hay, and Preservation of Farmland
The Nesler Road solar installation solidifies Kane County's commitment to both preserving
farmland from permanent development and spearheading renewable
energy initiatives. By hosting dual-use land that harmonizes solar
power generation with agriculture, and surrounded by pollinator
habitats on the project perimeter, Kane
County serves as a model for rural sustainability
nationwide.
Residents of Kane County who
subscribe to the project once it is operational can anticipate
reduced utility bills thanks to the project, which merges
environmental consciousness with financial savings. This initiative
is poised to set a precedent for how communities can invigorate
their local economies and lead in eco-innovative practices.
Driving the Project Home
"This project, now fully permitted, exemplifies the immense
value in safeguarding family land from sprawling development.
Keeping the land active in agriculture production, while ensuring
energy freedom and resilience for the community, is a benchmark in
American land stewardship," expressed Cecelia Stephens, Development Manager at
Lightstar, who spearheaded the permitting process. "Projects like
this one highlight how rural communities can be catalysts for
economic development while maintaining their agricultural
heritage."
About Lightstar
Lightstar Renewables is a greenfield community solar developer and
long-term owner and operator of community solar farms across the
US. Currently Lightstar is active in 15 states with a pipeline of
over 1,000 Megawatts (MWs) and growing. Founded by a seasoned team
of solar developers, our mission is to build solar for the land and
community. We are the leading greenfield developer in the industry
in community solar development that integrates local ecology and
agriculture with every project. Stewarding the land and the
communities and providing energy freedom to all is key to the
success of the clean energy transition.
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SOURCE Lightstar Renewables, LLC