Aqua Illinois and Sol Systems are moving ahead a second time with a proposal to build a solar farm near the West Fairchild Street water treatment plant. A previous proposal last year failed to gain enough votes on the city council to pass.
During a hearing last night at Palmer Arena, Sol Systems representatives Rennie Friedman and Andy Price answered questions from a small group of residents and city representatives.
Price said the solar farm would have a 200-foot setback from residential properties, have 10 feet of shrubs outside of a fence surrounding the development and surrounded with cameras. The fence will be 10 feet tall, more than the original proposal, which had a 150-foot setback.
Friedman said the solar farm would save $4 million in operating costs over the next 25 years. He said the solar farm would remain in operation even if it changes hands. He also added that studies from neighboring large cities have shown no impact on property values.
Price said Sol Systems will file an application with the city soon. It will need to be approved by the city’s zoning board during its March 5th meeting, then before the city council on March 17th.
