First of 9 solar farms slated for La Salle County moves forward

The state of Illinois selected this summer nine solar farm projects in La Salle County to receive renewable energy credits.

So far, developers for one of them have contacted the county to get their building permit.

The Soltage IL project slated for 592 U.S. 34 in Mendota could start construction as soon as spring, said Brian Gift, director of the Environmental Services and Land Use office for La Salle County.

Developers for the project could finish all the necessary paperwork this week, Gift said.

The project doesn't need any further approval from the La Salle County Board or Zoning Board of Appeals, unless modifications are made to the plans.

In April, the Illinois Power Agency announced 112 projects were selected for renewable energy credits — nine of them in La Salle County. A total of 909 projects statewide submitted for credits, resulting in the need for a statewide lottery.

"I have not spoken to eight of the other approved projects," Gift said.

With that said, Gift is not concerned about the status of the other projects. He said developers still are likely doing their due diligence to make sure the state and county have all the required information they need for financing on the state's end and permits on the county's side.

"I think we could see some of the other projects begin in spring," Gift said.

The other solar projects are slated for the Streator, Tonica, Troy Grove, Lostant and Somonauk areas. Streator is already home to a 160-acre solar farm on the southeast corner of East 21st Road and North 15th Road, near the former Otter Creek-Hyatt Grade School.

The La Salle County Board approved a modification Monday to the special use permit approved for the proposed solar project on the southeast corner of North 42nd Road and East 5th Road in Troy Grove Township.

The county's Zoning Board of Appeals approved roughly 40 solar projects with nine of them being selected by the state for energy credits. Of those nine, special uses were set by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Permits will be reviewed and approved administratively through the Environmental Services and Land Use office.

The Future Energy Jobs Act passed in 2016 resulted in an expansion of renewable energy. The goal of the act is to make a quarter of Illinois' power production come from sources such as wind and solar by 2025.