By Andi Anderson
Sol Systems has completed construction of its largest project to date — the 342-megawatt Eldorado solar project in Saline County, southeast Illinois. The development is being highlighted as a milestone for the renewable energy industry as it incorporates “first-of-its-kind” agrivoltaics practices.
Agrivoltaics, which refers to combining solar energy production with agricultural activities, is gaining attention for its potential to create dual-use land solutions. By allowing farming operations and solar energy generation to coexist on the same acreage, agrivoltaics can provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to rural communities.
Dan Shugar, CEO of Nextracker, which partnered on the project, described the effort as a “win-win” for U.S. solar and agriculture. The Eldorado site showcases how renewable energy can integrate with farmland while still delivering reliable solar power at a large scale.
At 342MW, Eldorado is not only the largest project undertaken by Sol Systems but also represents a significant advancement in renewable energy deployment within Illinois. The project is expected to provide long-term value by generating clean power while also promoting innovative agricultural practices that support farmers and landowners.
The combination of solar energy with agricultural use is considered a forward-looking approach to addressing land-use challenges in the renewable energy transition. As more states look for ways to expand clean energy infrastructure without displacing farmland, agrivoltaics offers a promising path forward.
With the Eldorado solar project now complete, Sol Systems has underscored its role as a leader in both solar energy development and sustainable land-use practices. The project is positioned as a model for future renewable energy efforts across the United States.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Illinois, Energy