Key Takeaways:
- Large-Scale Solar Expansion: Sol Systems’ Eldorado Phase II will increase the project’s capacity to over 300 MW, making it one of the largest solar and crop cultivation projects in the U.S.
- Economic and Environmental Innovation: The project will bring nearly half a billion dollars in regional investment and incorporate Kernza® grain cultivation and pollinator-friendly vegetation.
- Local Community Benefits: Eldorado Phase II will generate $21 million in tax revenue and millions in community funding, reinforcing Sol Systems’ Infrastructure + Impact™ approach.
- Advanced Technology: The project is the first in the U.S. to use American-produced TOPCon modules from Canadian Solar USA Manufacturing.
- Research and Sustainability Focus: Collaboration with the American Farmland Trust to study soil health and perennial vegetation benefits.
Sol Systems Unveils Eldorado Phase II, Pioneering Clean Energy and Community Impact
Building upon its commitment to integrating clean energy infrastructure with significant community and ecological impact, Sol Systems, a national renewable energy company, has unveiled Eldorado Phase II. This expansion will increase the overall project’s capacity to over 300 MW, positioning it as one of the largest solar projects in the region and one of the most extensive combined solar and crop cultivation projects in the country. Eldorado Phase II is set to bring nearly half a billion dollars in regional investment to Saline County, Illinois.
Innovative Environmental Integration
Eldorado Phase II stands out as one of the most environmentally innovative large-scale solar projects in the United States. It incorporates Kernza® grain cultivation, known for its carbon sequestration and soil health improvement capabilities, alongside pollinator-friendly vegetation. The project also includes a range of local educational and community impact programs designed to link economic benefits directly to the local community. Both Eldorado Phase I and II are pioneering in their use of American-produced, advanced-technology tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules from Canadian Solar USA Manufacturing.
Significant Economic Contributions
The Eldorado projects collectively represent a robust $480 million regional investment. This includes $21 million in expected tax revenue over the project’s lifespan and millions of dollars in funding specifically allocated to support the surrounding communities. These investments highlight Sol Systems’ Infrastructure + Impact™ approach, which blends clean energy solutions with tangible community and ecosystem benefits.
Kernza® Cultivation and Pollinator-Friendly Environment
A portion of the solar project area will be dedicated to growing and harvesting Kernza®, a perennial grain that supports carbon sequestration and soil health. The harvested Kernza will be supplied to local partners, thereby supporting local businesses. Additionally, the project will create a pollinator-friendly environment around the solar arrays, featuring a mix of grasses and wildflowers that promote healthy ecosystems and contribute to regional biodiversity. This initiative is part of Sol Systems’ research partnership with the American Farmland Trust, aimed at studying soil health and the advantages of perennial vegetation.
Management and Partner Comments
Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems, emphasized the broader impact of clean energy infrastructure: “Clean energy infrastructure can extend far beyond power generation. Architecting the right investments with the right financial partners and collaborating with key local partners enables and fosters ecological integrity and community prosperity. Sol remains dedicated to developing, building, and operating clean energy infrastructure that maximizes community and ecological impact.”
Financed and developed in collaboration with longstanding partners, including Monarch Private Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, the National Bank of Canada, ING, National Australia Bank, and Comerica Bank, Eldorado Phase II has garnered substantial support. Vince O’Hara, Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, remarked, “It’s been an honor to arrange financing for Sol Systems’ innovative projects. The Eldorado Phase II project is another step forward for sustainable energy solutions that are economically viable and environmentally responsible.”
Bryan Didier, Partner and Managing Director of Renewable Energy at Monarch Private Capital, added, “We strongly believe in Sol’s deliberate and intentional development approach of engaging all community stakeholders. We’re proud to facilitate investments that result in measurable impacts, both in terms of strong economics for the participants and in advancing the decarbonization of the grid.”
President of Canadian Solar USA Manufacturing, Thomas Koerner expressed pride in contributing to the project: “It is an honor to serve our US customers, like Sol Systems, and other partners with American-made and assembled products. We are excited to see our first US TOPCon modules installed in Eldorado, Illinois.”
Image provided by Sol Systems
