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Solar

Red Maple Solar

DeKalb County, IL

About

LRE is developing the Red Maple Solar project, a solar energy facility that will generate up to 300 megawatts of clean energy, located in DeKalb County, Illinois.

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Over $1M Per year to support local schools and public services
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300+ Jobs during construction, majority filled by Illinois workers
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Built on private land, temporarily leased, fully farmable after project
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63,000 homes powered each year
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Seeded using native vegetation, keeping the land healthy
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300 MW of reliable, local energy
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30+ Years of planned operation
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2028 Operational
Project Overview

Red Maple Solar is committed to being a good neighbor

As the developer, owner, and operator of the Red Maple Solar project, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is excited to join the Dekalb County community and to continue building a strong foundation of partnership with community members. As a member of the community, LRE prioritizes supporting the local organizations and events that mean the most to residents, including organizations like Dekalb 4-H, the Dekalb County Historical Center, Northern Illinois University, Elder Care Services of Dekalb County, and the Dekalb Chamber of Commerce. LRE has also had the pleasure of supporting events such as CornFest, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Kid’s Magic Show, the Sandwich Fair, and many others that highlight the Dekalb community. We look forward to working closely with local residents and community partners as we move the project forward together.

LRE’s mission is to energize communities and fuel energy independence through responsibly developed clean energy solutions. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas for over 20 years, our US-based operations include 30+ operational facilities that provide over 4GW of renewable energy. Learn more at www.LREus.com.

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Megawatt (MW) Solar Power

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Local Construction Jobs

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Years of Planned Operation

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Operational

Location

Resources

DOWNLOAD RED MAPLE SOLAR PROJECT FACT SHEET OPSB Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need
OUTREACH

Community Involvement

The Red Maple Solar Project will be a power generation resource for 30 years or more, providing significant economic development and funding for local public services. LRE prioritizes responsibly sourced, U.S.-made components and local labor. The low-cost, emission-free power supply will help meet domestic energy needs.

As a dedicated member of the community, LRE will work hard to be a good neighbor. Our involvement goes beyond economic investment, job creation, and providing emission-free energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with local government, community organizations, and individual neighbors. Throughout the life of the project, we pride ourselves on being open in our communication and responsive to feedback while maintaining ongoing community investment.

Permitting

In November 2021, the DeKalb County Board approved the Red Maple Solar project Special Use Permit application. As a result, the project is moving into the final stages of design and is expected to begin construction in late 2026. The team at Leeward Renewable Energy will continue to provide project updates and answer community questions or concerns. We are excited to be a new neighbor and partner in DeKalb County.

Local Benefits

Highlighted Benefits of the Red Maple Solar project include:

•   $1.5 million average per year in property tax payments
•   Road Use & Maintenance Agreement to ensure responsible use, maintenance, and restoration of roads
•   Partnerships and funding for local schools and community organizations to foster local economic development

TIMELINE
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Planning

2020
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Permitting

2022
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Construction

2026
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Operations

2028
FAQ

Solar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What community impact can we expect from this project?

This project represents a significant financial investment in DeKalb County. It will generate economic development and employment opportunities, increasing funding for schools, roads and other public services. The 300+ job opportunities during the construction phase will also contribute to an increase in purchases of local goods and services by the workforce. There will be an increase in traffic, water use to control dust, and intermittent noise onsite during certain periods of construction. Once operational, site activity will be limited while generating a local source of emission-free energy.

What are the environmental impacts of the project?

The ultimate goal is to have a positive environmental impact overall. Both the project financing and permitting process include extensive reviews. The project development process starts with environmental studies to confirm site-specific conditions, which informs the design and management plans for all aspects of the project. LRE has a company culture that focuses on positive environmental stewardship, best-in-class safety protocol, and a commitment to being a good, long-term neighbor and contributor to the community. 

Who will maintain the property and vegetation?

LRE will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility and property, including access roads, buildings, and energy infrastructure. We implement vegetation and biodiversity management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation to reduce invasive plant species, often including pollinator-friendly seed mixes. On some projects, we partner with sheep grazers to manage vegetation, while others use mechanical mowing, or a mix of both approaches.

Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?

Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. LRE typically uses thin-film solar with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are usually inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.

How long will the solar facility be operational?

The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30 to 40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer. Many projects may also be “repowered” to extend the productive life of the project. This includes upgrading existing components to improve performance or increase capacity, which requires additional reviews and permits. At the end of the life of the project, the Red Maple Solar project will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site.

American Clean Power Resources

  1. Solar on Farmland
  2. Solar and Property Values
  3. Living Near a Project
  4. Wildlife and Solar
  5. Solar Decommissioning
CONTACT

Contact us

If you have additional questions about Red Maple Solar, please fill out the form or contact

Red Maple Solar Public Affairs
reports@syntrio.com
877-847-0828

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