Red maple solar

The Red Maple solar project will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames that are installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the Project site will be fenced for security and safety. Vegetative screening will be implemented at various locations to enhance the visual appeal of the site.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules capture energy from the sun and produce direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity flows to electrical inverters where it is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity is then combined and transformed to the electrical grid’s voltage at the project substation, where it connects to the utility’s system and is sold to the market.

Photovoltaic modules are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. The amount of sunlight the modules absorb correlates directly to the amount of electricity produced, thus modules are designed to absorb maximum amounts of sunlight and minimize reflection. In fact, typical solar module glass is constructed with anti-reflective coatings. Solar facilities produce minimal noise as they do not contain large mechanical components. We design our facilities so that any increase in noise from operation is negligible at neighboring properties.

The Special Use Permit (SUP) process gives DeKalb County the authority to give particular consideration to projects that may have an impact on the surrounding area, or the County. This includes both Solar Gardens and Solar Farms, the latter of which is a commercial solar facility of greater than 20-acres. Red Maples’s SUP application will identify the proposed Project area and proposed use, as well as compliance with the County’s Solar Energy Systems ordinance.

Prior to submitting a SUP application to DeKalb County, we solicited feedback from the local community through an open-house event. The public and other interested parties could learn more about the Project, have their questions answered, and provide feedback during this community open-house. After Red Maple submitted an SUP application to the County, and the Zoning Administrator performed an administrative review, the County’s Hearing Officer set a date, time, and place for a hearing on the application. The County published notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the County, not less than 15 days before the date of the hearing, and also notified nearby residents and property owners.

The County then conducted a public hearing and heard testimony/received comments regarding the Project. Following the public hearing, the Hearing Officer will provide his recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Committee. Following the Planning and Zoning Committee review, the request will be sent to the DeKalb County Board for a final decision.

Information on Red Maple’s open-house event, DeKalb County public hearing, and DeKalb County’s P&Z Committee meeting is posted to the Community Involvement section of this webpage.

The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last much longer.

Red Maple will be responsible for maintaining the the property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management occurs on the Project site. We also implement vegetation management plans and construction best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and manage overgrowth and invasive plant species. As part of the development process, DeKalb County will review our vegetation management plan, which includes noxious weed management.

Safety is our number one priority. We manage our projects with the utmost regard for safety, sustainability, and long-term growth. Extensive employee and contractor training is required to meet our safety program standards, and our entire team, starting with our executives, makes a daily commitment to a safe work environment.

Through careful engineering design and strict adherence to safety standards, solar projects pose minimal health and safety risks.

At the end of the life of the Project, Red Maple will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the SUP review process, the County will review Red Maple’s proposed decommissioning plan to ensure that ample considerations and funding are provided for when the life of the Project is over.

Construction of the solar park will bring new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.

Once the Project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout the life of the Project, it will not burden DeKalb County services and utilities. The Project will, however, contribute significant property taxes to the community and provide clean energy to the greater Northern Illinois area.

For more detailed information about this project, please email redmapleinfo@redmaplesolar.com, or fill out the form below.