Expanding McLean County Solar Access in Disadvantaged Communities

McLean IL Solar I serves 100% low- to moderate-income customers and is pollinator-friendly. (Photo courtesy of PureSky Energy)

Solar power is one of the lowest-cost energy sources available, and more communities are gaining access to it every day. A new pollinator-friendly community solar farm in McLean County will serve 100% low- to moderate-income customers, protecting both vulnerable communities and vulnerable pollinators.

The community solar farm is called McLean IL Solar I and it is dedicated to expanding access to clean energy and cost-saving solar power in communities that have historically had fewer opportunities to take part in the clean energy economy. This almost 2-megawatt facility on only 11 acres will generate renewable energy closer to home for local residents, reducing strain on the state’s energy grid and lowering monthly power bills in the community.

In fact, McLean IL Solar I is expected to save subscribers to the community solar farm more than $5.4 million over its lifespan! That cost reduction comes in the form of credits on subscribers’ monthly energy bills, which translates into lower bills for these disadvantaged communities. An estimated 440 households will benefit from this community solar farm, which is scheduled to come online in October.

“We welcome any low-to-moderate income households with an Ameren utility account throughout the state to subscribe to the solar farm,” said Molly McCready, Manager of Community Partnerships at PureSky Energy, which owns and operates McLean IL Solar I. Molly works to expand access to community solar in Illinois, educating and bringing in people from all regions and income levels across the state into the PureSky community. “This project will benefit Ameren customers anywhere in the state, from central Illinois to East St. Louis and beyond.”

McLean IL Solar I’s impact doesn’t stop at its subscribers: the project is designed to support local ecosystems and pollinators, by planting over 76 native species on the land surrounding the installation. These species were carefully selected for their value to native pollinators, like bees and butterflies, as well as their ability to help prevent erosion, improve water and soil quality, and compete with other invasive species. PureSky will use two specialized seed mixes, featuring low-growing plants that are easy to maintain throughout the growing season and will not interfere with the solar panels’ operation.

Environmental initiatives like this one broaden the benefits of solar throughout Illinois, supporting individual communities like McLean County and our shared, earth-wide community at the same time.