Mackinaw Solar
Mackinaw Solar is a solar photovoltaic project proposed for Tazewell County, Illinois. It will generate clean, emission-free energy and substantial local revenues for decades to come. Mackinaw Solar looks forward to working with the local community in the planning and development of this important project.
About the Project
The project is anticipated to be up to 500 megawatts (MW)
Will generate enough clean energy to power 72,000 homes
Expected to become operational as soon as 2029
Panel height and vegetative screening will limit project visibility to neighbors and nearby roads
Landowner retains ownership of the land during and after lease; landowner may choose to resume farming after lease expires
Millions of dollars paid to local government authorities over the life of the project
Life cycle: 30+ years from date of commercial operation
Proposed on 100% privately-owned land.
The goal is to have an operating project that provides consistent income, regardless of the weather, for decades to come. Project development is a three-step process:
01
Development
During development we incorporate feedback from local landowners and officials to design the project. We perform environmental and engineering studies to minimize the impact from the project. During this period, payments are made to our landowners to hold development rights but farming operations can continue without interruption. This period may last 3-4 years.
02
Construction
Once the project is "shovel-ready" and goes into construction, a much larger investment is made. Landowner payments from the project increase significantly. Regular uses of the property transform to the responsibility of the solar facility. Farm income is secured for decades and landowners can simply collect the income or potentially sell the income stream or the property for a lump sum.
03
Operations
Upon completion of construction, the project becomes an operating solar farm. The re-use of the land is now benefiting the community and the planet by creating low-cost, clean renewable energy. Eventually, when the lease ends, the land is restored by the project to its original condition at no cost to the landowners. The land will be rested and revitalized for its next use.