Coyote Road Solar

Tazewell County, Illinois

Project Overview

Coyote Road Solar is a 150 MW photovoltaic solar project in development in Tazewell County, IL. The project is named after an adjacent road. The project will produce enough clean energy to power roughly 25,000 average-sized U.S homes and will be located in an area of no more than 1,300 acres leased from private landowners, utilizing <0.4% of all farmland in Tazewell County.

The project will be located in the southwest area of Tazewell County, Illinois, within Delavan and Malone Townships. 

Construction is planned to commence in 2025.

Status: In development

Site location

Coyote Solar farm map | RWE in the Americas

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Coyote Road Solar Facts & Figures

00 MW

planned power capacity

00 million gallons

water savings (compared to traditional energy plants)

$ 00 million

total project investment

00 +

construction jobs

00

homes powered

$ 00 million

in new property tax revenue ($658,000/year on average)

Coyote Road Solar Benefits

Tractor cultivating field at spring,aerial view

Supporting Farmers

Farmers who choose to harvest solar power are following a long tradition of using their land responsibly to produce food, fiber, and fuel. Coyote Road Solar will be located on private property, offering participating landowners a reliable source of income over the 40 year life of the project. Farmers who choose to host the clean energy facility have the opportunity to reinvest in their farming operations, save for retirement and use their increased purchasing power to support local businesses throughout the community.

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Supporting Farmers
Supporting Tazewell County | RWE in the Americas

Supporting Tazewell County

Coyote Road Solar will provide millions of dollars in new property tax revenue to Tazewell County and other local taxing districts. This new source of public funding can reduce the tax burden on residents and be used to support essential services, including schools, roads, fire departments and first responders. 

RWE Clean Energy has been active in Tazewell County by engaging with local schools and nonprofits and giving back through a range of community events and opportunities. 

Since December 2023, RWE Clean Energy and Coyote Road Solar team members have contributed to various local events and nonprofits within Tazewell County. Memberships include the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Supporting Tazewell County
Supporting local economies |Coyote Road Solar | RWE in the Americas

Supporting Local Economies

Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, offering opportunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand for lodging, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the 12-18 months of construction. During Coyote Road Solar’s  operations, 4 permanent on-site positions will be created to operate the facility and the project will continue to source supplies from local businesses.

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Supporting Local Economies

Stronger Electric Grid

Stronger Electric Grid| Coyote Road Solar | RWE in the Americas
Stronger Electric Grid| Coyote Road Solar | RWE in the Americas

Why solar matters

Solar energy has become one of the most affordable and reliable sources of electricity available today. Solar farms increase the resiliency of Illinois’ electric grid while protecting consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources.

Coyote Road Solar will connect to the Ameren transmission grid at the Rail Splitter switchyard.

Protecting the Environment and Community

Coyote Road Solar will be designed to protect soil, groundwater, and streams, and proper permits will be obtained from state and federal agencies.

Comprehensive studies will be performed as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment.

Protecting the environment | Coyote Road Solar | RWE in the Americas

Key facts of the design and construction include the following:

  • The design will preferentially avoid sensitive environmental features.
  • The project will be virtually silent outside the fence line.
  • Setbacks and vegetative screening will minimize viewshed impacts.
  • Advance studies have been completed to locate streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
  • Permits will be obtained from the proper environmental regulatory agencies.
  • Crystalline silicon-based panels will be used.  The panels are made of safe, well-tested materials, and panel manufacturer warranties are 30 years.
  • Panel breakage is very rare  - including during severe weather events.
  • RWE’s advanced remote operations center will monitor the panels 24/7, 365 days a year, while the onsite operations team will be available to respond in the unlikely event of panel breakage or an emergency.
  • Panel and racking structures will be preferentially recycled upon decommissioning.

At the end of Coyote Road Solar’s useful life, equipment will be removed, and the land will be restored to its previous condition.

Development Timeline

Timeline Coyote Road Solar | RWE in the Americas

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