Project Overview
The Middlefork Solar Project is a 175-megawatt solar farm proposed by Ranger Power in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Project Details
In Vermilion County, the photovoltaic panels used in the Middlefork Solar Project will be surrounded by prairie grasses and pollinators compatible with grazing and beekeeping.Â
Rows will be separated by 18-26 feet, wide enough to drive a vehicle between, for the care and maintenance of the land.
The project, located on the open and sunny portions of the land of private landowners who have chosen to participate in the project, is designed to prevent glare and minimize sound.
Solar energy provides local farmers with a stable source of income during times of volatile input prices while protecting their land for future generations. The Middlefork Solar Project will be located primarily on fields and vacant land.
Middlefork Solar is Committed to Preserving Quality Farmland
Temporary Use of the Land
The project is designed to be a temporary use. At the end of the project’s life, all equipment will be removed and the land can be returned to traditional farming. Financial assurance will be provided to Vermilion County before construction begins to ensure funds are available to decommission the project.
Native Vegetation Under the Solar Panels
This vegetation helps reduce erosion, improve soil health, and support the long-term agricultural productivity of the land.
Supporting Local Farm Families
Payments on voluntary leases provide participating landowners with stable income, helping family farms remain intact for future generations. This stability helps preserve the agricultural heritage of Vermilion County.
Project End
At the end of the Middlefork Solar project life, facilities will be removed completely, and the land will be available for future agricultural use.
Get in touch
Contact Ranger Power
A strong partnership with local residents is key. Ranger Power welcomes questions about the Middlefork Solar project. We believe that taking a community-first approach by sharing information, listening and adapting is part of our responsibility and helps build a project that communities can support.
If you would like to learn more about the Middlefork Solar Project, please reach out to our team or send a letter to show your support.