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📸 Credit: Clarence Solar project narrative document
A renewable energy company is asking Geneva to approve a 13-acre solar farm on a parcel that has sat empty for decades, and residents will get their first public say later this month.
OneEnergy Development, LLC filed a special use permit application with the City of Geneva for Clarence Solar, a ground-mounted photovoltaic project that it says will have up to 5 megawatts of generating capacity. The site sits just west of the Kirk Road and Fabyan Parkway intersection on land currently zoned Light Industrial.
Here's what to know:
Community solar project: Rather than powering a single property, the developer says the Clarence Solar would feed electricity into the regional grid through Illinois' community solar program (Illinois Shines). ComEd customers, including renters and anyone who can't put panels on their own roof, could subscribe and earn bill credits.
The site has been vacant for decades: The 13-acre parcel has no structures and requires no tree clearing or significant grading. According to the developer's application, aerial imagery suggests the land has been vacant for more than 100 years.
Local tax revenue: The developer projects the project would add roughly $1.1 million to the local tax base over 30 years, with an estimated 75% of that going to the Geneva school district.
Native plantings included: OneEnergy says the facility would be seeded with native prairie species and built to meet Illinois Department of Natural Resources pollinator-friendly standards, providing habitat for birds and pollinators on what is currently bare land.
The developer estimates subscribers would see 10–20% savings on their electricity bills once the site is operational.
Construction, if approved, wouldn't begin until late 2026 at the earliest, with a target commercial operation date of July 31, 2027. The permit would cover a 40-year operational period, after which the land would revert to industrial or other use as determined by the city.
The Geneva Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the application at 7PM on Thursday, May 28 at Geneva City Hall. Anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition is welcome to attend.
Learn more about the proposed project.
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