Developers of proposed trio of solar energy farms say residential setback lines could limit profit in DeKalb County

SYCAMORE – Three industrial solar energy projects which have drawn controversy throughout DeKalb County in recent months received preliminary approval this week.

The three solar energy proposals – a 3,700 acre project called Owens Creek and a 1,800 acre project called Red Maple, both by Texas-headquartered Leeward Renewable Energy; and a 643 acre project from Samsung called DK Solar – received preliminary approval from a DeKalb County Board committee this week. The proposals, which are slated for development in the southern portion of the county, will next go to the county board for final approval.

The Planning and Zoning Committee members gave its support for all three projects, with some added caveats including changes to how far way some projects might be from residential properties.

DeKalb County Board member Steve Faivre, who chairs the committee, said he anticipates the county board will take up the measures at its Nov. 17 meeting. However, he said an approval vote could be delayed if the project applicants, Leeward Energy and Samsung, take issue with the amended proposals.

“It has such a significant impact on what the applicants are trying to do,” Faivre said.

The zoning committee recommended trees be planted before solar panel installation for screening purposes, which would limit construct hours to between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Instead of the proposed 500 feet buffer between the Owens Creek project and residential parcel lines, the committee recommended a 300 foot buffer instead. The committee also deviated from original recommendations for Samsung’s DK Solar project, recommending the solar farm be 400 feet from residences. The committee kept original recommendations for the Red Maple project.

Current county ordinance guidelines require a 100 foot setback from property lines.

Jim Pomillo, representative for Samsung, said on Wednesday most residential neighbors appeared to be open to the solar projects provided its set back further than county guidelines. However, he said developers could seek additional land elsewhere if local allotments aren’t enough under the proposed amendments.

“It puts us in a tough spot,” Pomillo said, adding less land availability could mean less panels and profit.

Representatives from Leeward Renewable Energy also said the recommended setbacks could cut out nearly 200 acres of land from its Owens Creek project.

DeKalb County Board member Larry West asked that the solar farm development plans include a residential buffer which starts at a property line instead of the side of a house. During previous public hearings, some residents had asked that the developments be set more than 1,000 feet from homes.

The projects have been the subject of debate locally over the past few months. Some called for the DeKalb County Board to oppose the projects for fear of neighboring home values deteriorating amid large solar panels. Proponents argued the benefits of solar energy and property tax revenue to the area made for a compelling case. The county board has held several public hearings to better assess public opinion, and in August expanded the amount of local land eligible for solar energy allotment.

If approved, the Samsung solar plot would be in Milan Township between McGirr Road to the north, Haumesser Road to the east, Hermann Road to the south and Wilrett Road to the west, according to county documents. The 500-megawatt Owens Creek solar farm would be located in Mayfield and South Grove townships, west of Glidden Road, south of Base Line Road and north of Illinois Route 64. The Red Maple would be set up in Afton and Pierce townships, south of Gurler Road and north of Perry Road.

The Samsung development would need to be complete by June 30, 2023, and the Leeward projects within 36 months of approval, according to county documents.