Public hearing held for eight solar energy projects proposed in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) — Several counties around the stateline weigh the benefits of solar projects to create electricity for the region; it’s creating debates that pit neighbors against neighbors.

“I’ve got a bunch of grandkids that are going to be farming and it helps get the income to make sure that they can farm,” said Steven Heinsohn who is OK with bringing solar projects to DeKalb County. He and his brother plan to lease 90 acres of land to Summit Ridge Energy for a solar garden.

“We farm a significant amount of acres around there and when you’ve got money coming in every day, that’s different than when you’ve got a crop that you have to worry about planting,” said Heinsohn.
Summit Ridge Energy has eight solar energy proposals. The 2-megawatt, 15-acre projects would be in Kirkland, Somonauk and Waterman.

“Solar in a lot of regions are one of the cheapest forms of electricity. It’s also easy to build compared to a large nuclear, coal or gas fire power plant,” said Dan Jordan, the Senior Vice President of Operations for Summit Ridge Energy.

Summit Ridge Energy says building a solar garden on Heinsohn’s property could bring $700,000 dollars in revenue to the county over 20 years and enough power for 700 homes.

“There was a time when the only way you could buy power was through your utility which had a big power plant somewhere far away. Nowadays as the regulations are opening up, people here in Illinois can start to buy electricity locally, so when we saw that market open up, we started exploring with landowners,” said Jordan.

Citizens had a chance to voice concerns and ask questions at the hearing.

Recently the Ogle County Board halted solar farm discussions for at least six months after dozens of people voiced concerns.

The DeKalb County proposals will now go to the County Board and then to state leaders for review. If approved, Summit Ridge Energy could begin construction in the next several months.