Home / Environment / Former Mine Fuels Clean Energy Future
Former Mine Fuels Clean Energy Future
22 Jun
Summary
- A former coal mine now hosts a 16,000-panel community solar project.
- The solar farm generates enough renewable power for over 7,000 homes.
- Renters and homeowners can subscribe to clean energy without rooftop panels.
A significant transformation has occurred in central Illinois, where a former coal mine has been repurposed to host a community solar project. This initiative, located in Minonk, features 16,000 solar panels spread across 42 acres. It is the first community solar project in Woodford County to participate in the Illinois Shines program, which provides incentives for solar adoption.
The 9.8-megawatt installation is designed to supply enough renewable power for more than 7,000 homes each year. Developed through a subscription model by Nexamp, TurningPoint Energy, and ComEd, the project allows residents to access solar energy without needing to install panels on their own properties. This inclusive approach benefits renters, those with shaded roofs, and individuals unable to afford the high upfront costs of traditional home solar systems.
Illinois Shines fully funded the solar farm, which took approximately two years to complete. The project also utilizes advanced distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) to help manage energy flow on the grid. This development is part of a larger pipeline of clean energy projects in the area, with additional installations planned, further contributing to the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources.
