Mahomet board to discuss proposed solar farm
The Mahomet Planning and Zoning Commission convened on December 11, 2024, to discuss a proposed 40-acre solar farm development at the southwest corner of County Roads 2175N and 700E. The meeting attracted significant public interest, with attendees voicing both support and concern for the project. The Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees will discuss the proposal at the Dec. 17 board meeting.
Project Overview
The proposed solar farm, led by County Road 2175N Solar LLC, encompasses approximately 40.2 acres within a fenced area on an 86.1-acre parcel. The solar farm is designed to have a maximum nameplate generating capacity of 5.0 megawatts alternating current (MW AC). Major components of the facility include solar modules, a solar racking system, inverters, and designated electrical equipment areas. Developers are currently considering bifacial polycrystalline solar panels sourced from Canadian Solar to optimize energy production.
During the construction phase, it is estimated that 25 to 40 deliveries via WB-67 semi-tractor trailers will be required to transport the piles, racking, modules, inverters, and electrical equipment to the site. At the peak of construction, approximately 20 to 30 workers will be on-site to complete the installation. The entire construction phase is projected to take approximately six months.
The development requires no extension of public water or sewer infrastructure, and stormwater management will rely on local drainage systems.
Conditions and Protections
As part of the approval process, the developers must adhere to 16 conditions set by the PZC. These include compliance with state and local permitting regulations, ensuring the project aligns with zoning ordinances, and securing a decommissioning bond for long-term site security. The bond, expected to remain active for up to 40 years, ensures that the site will be properly decommissioned if the solar facility ceases operations.
Economic and Community Benefits
Village officials believe the solar farm could bring significant benefits to the community. Annual property taxes from the site are expected to increase from $3,200 to over $30,000, supporting local entities such as the Mahomet-Seymour School District. In addition, the development will create 25-30 construction jobs, contributing to the local economy.
Community Feedback
Residents raised various issues during the public comment period. Concerns included:
- Impact on Farmland: Several residents expressed concerns about converting prime farmland into solar use, emphasizing the importance of preserving agricultural resources for future generations. It was noted by the developers that the land would be preserved under an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement, ensuring it could return to agricultural use after the solar farm’s decommissioning. The agreement includes measures to maintain soil quality during the project’s lifespan, such as planting native vegetation and ensuring decommissioning is funded through a bond. This reassures the possibility of restoring the land to farmland or other agricultural uses after the project’s end
- Annexation Concerns: One public commenter expressed that annexation of the parcel into the village could potentially lead to further annexations of surrounding properties, impacting nearby residents and their land use rights. There was a specific mention of concerns about whether annexation would align with the village’s comprehensive plan, which states that
- Fire Safety and Decommissioning: Questions arose about the preparedness of local fire departments to manage potential solar panel fires and the long-term plan for decommissioning and restoring the land after the project’s 30- to 40-year lifespan.
- Visual and Noise Impact: Residents close to the site sought reassurance about landscaping and noise levels during construction and operation.
Commissioner Feedback
- Length of Commitment: One commissioner remarked on the 30- to 40-year duration of the project, questioning what technology might emerge in that time and how it might impact the project’s future viability.
- Annexation and Village Growth: Concerns were also expressed about how the annexation of this land could affect long-term village growth. Commissioners discussed whether the proposed site would align with the comprehensive plan and what might happen if the project were to prevent other developments in the area.
- Economic Benefits: Commissioners highlighted that the solar farm would generate increased tax revenues for local entities.
Next Steps
The solar farm’s development hinges on annexation approval by the Mahomet Board of Trustees. If approved, the project will advance to the site development phase, incorporating community feedback and fulfilling village requirements.
