Where is Louis Creek Solar located?

The project is located on 380 acres, approximately two miles north of Buckley, IL.

What is the size of the project?

The project is planned to be 50 MW of solar power with 10 MW of battery energy storage.

How much clean energy will the project provide?

The project will provide enough energy to power about 8,000 homes annually.

What is the timeline for the project?

We’re targeting full operation in early 2027.

What permits are needed to begin construction?

A Conditional Use Permit, and subsequent Building Permit will be required from Iroquois County. Prior to construction, we’ll request a Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

How long will the project operate?

The life of the project is estimated to be 30+ years.

How is the land managed at the solar facility?

A site-specific vegetation management plan will guide pre- and post-construction activities at the site to ensure effective erosion and weed control. Vegetation cover and management throughout the life of the project will facilitate enhanced soil health.

What happens to the solar panels and land after the facility is decommissioned?

The typical lifespan for solar panels is 30 to 40 years. Upgrades are sometimes made to extend the life of the project. The components can be recycled, reused in other applications, or safely disposed of in accordance with best practices. Once the facility is decommissioned, all equipment will be removed, and the land can again be used for crop production or another purpose.

What is the benefit of battery energy storage?

Energy storage allows electricity to be stored and then discharged at the most strategic and vital times and locations. Storage releases energy to serve local demand when solar generation isn’t available and improves grid reliability.

When will more details about the battery energy storage be available?

Iroquois County intends to develop and adopt a battery storage systems ordinance. Louis Creek Solar will look to those specific requirements and provide more information at time of application.

Will Allium Renewable Energy operate the project?

Yes, Allium Renewable Energy will construct, own, and operate the Louis Creek Solar project.

How will the project connect to the energy grid?

The project will connect to the existing transmission line between Gilman and Paxton.

Why is this project sited in Iroquois County?

The location was selected because of several key attributes, including ample sunlight, flat land, accessibility for construction and access to existing energy grid infrastructure. The demand for clean energy in the region is also favorable. This all makes construction more affordable and maximizes the potential energy we can harness.

Who is the point of contact for the project?

David Griscom
Director, Project Development
dgriscom@alliumenergy.com
312-873-4080

How should I expect to receive information and updates on the project?

You can follow the latest updates and progress on the website.

How will local taxes from the project benefit the community?

The project represents an investment of over $100 million. Louis Creek Solar will support the community with local property and sales tax payments for the life of the project. This will create a new revenue source for Iroquois County, including benefits for the Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD #10 School District and the local fire department.

Will there be construction jobs and long-term jobs for the project?

The Louis Creek Solar facility intends to support the local economy, employing qualified workers from Iroquois County and the surrounding area for the construction of the project. Estimated direct impacts will include over 100 newly created local Iroquois County jobs during construction and 4-5 long-term jobs during operations. It is estimated that combined direct and indirect impacts will create over 250 new jobs during construction for the State of Illinois with 13-15 new long-term jobs for the state.

Will the project’s clean energy benefit the community?

This project already has an executed interconnection agreement with Ameren, the host energy utility. So, the clean energy will benefit the regional energy grid.

What happens to neighboring property values?

Property valuation experts from CohnReznick have studied the value of properties that adjoin solar projects in Illinois and Indiana and have concluded that solar projects do not adversely affect the property values in either the short or long term.

Experts analyzed property sale prices and marketability of single-family homes and agricultural land that adjoins solar projects and compared this data to comparable properties in the same county. The study also included interviews with county assessors and local real estate professionals, all of whom concluded that solar projects in their area had not impacted property values. Similar research has been conducted in other states across the U.S. and have found that solar projects do not adversely affect nearby property values. (click for more information)

How will this project improve local air quality?

The project is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 86,690 tons per year (EPA estimate for the Midwest).

Can solar panels stand up to Midwest weather?

The solar industry has tested solar modules in a variety of weather conditions common to the Midwest. Panels are designed and constructed to contain their components in the event of a surface crack or break. We also take steps to reduce already low hazard risks, including regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment – both on-site visual inspection and through constant remote monitoring – as well as detailed emergency plans and procedures.

How will stormwater at the site be managed?

During construction, stormwater will be managed in accordance with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the IEPA Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit requirements. A site-specific grading and drainage plan will be prepared and implemented to ensure that stormwater runoff is managed effectively during operation of the solar facility to prevent soil erosion and impacts to water quality.

Are there health risks living near solar projects?

Solar panels are safe to touch, attach to your home or install in the community. Panels are primarily made of glass, aluminum, copper and other common materials. Solar projects also utilize steel racks to position panels, electrical cable and inverters and electric transformers to deliver power to the grid. All of this equipment is safe and contains the same materials that are found in household appliances. All compounds contained in the solar modules are solid state and sealed within the glass and coatings of the panels. Solar facilities are designed to strict electrical safety standards to ensure safe operation. (click for more information)

Will the solar create a glare issue?

Our team conducted a glare study during design of the project and results demonstrate the project will not create glare on adjacent roadways or at nearby residences.

Can solar panels be recycled?

Most of the components can be recycled. Glass comprises most of the weight of a solar panel (about 75 percent), and glass recycling is already a well-established industry. Other materials that are easily recyclable include the aluminum frame, copper wire and plastic junction box. (click for more information)

Who is Allium Renewable Energy?

Allium Renewable Energy is a respected and well-established renewable energy developer who builds, owns, and operates renewable energy projects in the United States.

Has Allium Renewable Energy developed solar projects?

Yes, we have successfully developed more than 850 MW of wind and solar projects around the United States.

Where is Allium Renewable Energy based?

We call Illinois home, too. We established our headquarters in Chicago in 2008.

How does Allium Renewable Energy secure its financing for projects?

We are financially supported by a leading energy infrastructure company, Lotus Infrastructure Partners.