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A farm field along Tanner Road near North Aurora is one step closer to becoming a solar farm.
On Oct. 13, the Kane County Board granted a special use permit for a commercial solar farm on the property, which is adjacent to homes on Lake Run Lane and about ¾ mile west of Orchard Road.
Here’s what to know:
Project overview: According to county documents, Catfish Renewable Energy is planning to install solar panels on a roughly 42-acre parcel in unincorporated Sugar Grove Township. It’s intended as a community solar project, which means households and businesses can get the benefits of locally generated solar power without installing panels themselves.
North Aurora’s objection: The North Aurora village board formally objected to the project because its long-range plan calls for single-family homes there.
What neighbors will see: County rules require the panels to sit at least 150 feet from nearby homes and 50 feet from neighboring property lines, and they can’t be taller than 20 feet. The site will need a security fence between eight and 25 feet tall, plus a continuous row of native trees, shrubs, or tall grasses to block the view from neighboring homes.
Drainage protections: As a condition of approval, the developer must get a county stormwater permit (prepared by a licensed engineer) and study the farm’s underground drain tiles so nearby drainage isn’t disrupted.
The special use permit allows a solar farm, but it doesn’t necessarily mean one will get built. County documents do not show a construction timeline.
The documents noted that the development could potentially power 700 to 900 homes.
Read more beginning on page 858 of this agenda packet.
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