Solar development, data center proposed for 30 acres along Peace Road in DeKalb

DeKALB – A developer wants city permission to install a solar field and data center on about 30 acres of land west of Peace Road in DeKalb, documents show.

Donato Solar has submitted a concept plan for a 4-megawatt solar energy system and what the company is calling a “boutique data center” to sit at 1199 N. Peace Road, between Greenwood Acres and Challenger drives, according to an agenda released ahead of Monday’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

The developer is expected to pitch the proposal to the Commission at its regular meeting, set for 6 p.m. Monday in the downstairs Yusunas Room at DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.

“The solar array and data center combination will provide a direct off-set to utility costs, particularly during peak energy consumption periods when grid rates are typically higher,” city staff wrote in a summary of the project. “This results in a reduction of both operational expenses and the environmental impact of the data center’s energy consumption.”

In the Commission’s first meeting of the new year, members will review a plan submitted by representatives of the Champaign-based independent renewable energy company. Developers also are expected to request that the City of DeKalb annex the 30 acres into city limits before approving a build.

The public also is invited to attend and weigh in, though a public hearing could take place at a later date.

In a January letter to the City of DeKalb, Donato Solar developers said they intend to use local vendors and labor for the project “to the extent possible.” The land will be owned by IAG Investments LLC, documents show.

The data center would comprise two buildings, with access off Challenger Drive. Water and sewer lines also would be connected to the buildings. City staff said the developer also would need to evaluate stormwater runoff from the buildings. The project also would be set 100 feet back from any surrounding residential areas.

Energy collected from the solar field would be calculated with existing ComEd meters, according to the development proposal.

City staff have recommended additional landscaping along Peace Road since it’s “a major roadway,” documents state. The build alo would include security fencing.

Under the proposal, the solar panels would be almost 90 inches tall and 45 inches wide. The solar arrays would be no higher than 20 feet. City code caps solar height at 15 feet, so staff said the Commission may need to consider waiving that requirement, according to documents.

The developers also would plant and maintain pollinator-friendly, perennial, native vegetation to prevent erosion, manage run-off and build soil, project managers wrote.

In their proposal, Donato Solar also attached aerial photographs of some of the company’s other solar buildings in Illinois, including in Champaign, Urbana, Decatur and Danville.

If the Commission green lights the developer’s concept plan, more hurdles still would need to be cleared, according to the City. A public hearing in front of the Commission would be required, along with final review of the development plan and City Council approval.