Permian Solar panels

Geranium Solar

About the project

Bringing new opportunities, investment, and clean energy to Perry County, Illinois

Ørsted’s Geranium Solar is a long-term asset for Perry County that will help meet the energy needs of the state by providing clean, flexible, solar-powered electricity.

To be located on over 3,000 acres, the 300 MW solar project will generate more than 900,000 MWh of energy annually – enough to power nearly 80,000 homes. Geranium Solar is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026.

Location: Perry County, Illinois
Owner & Developer: Ørsted 
Solar Capacity: 300 MW
Total Annual Energy: Enough to power 80,000 homes
Estimated Operations: 2026

Bringing new investment to Perry County


Geranium Solar will create long-term value for landowners hosting the project while stimulating the local economy. The project will generate new tax revenue over the project life without adding new costs for services. Geranium Solar may help create local jobs during construction and will require ongoing support for operations and maintenance over the 30-year estimated life of the project.


Partnering with Ørsted

Working with Landowners

Ørsted understands the importance of the land to our lease partners. With extensive experience in a variety of regions, landowners can be confident our projects will be designed carefully to ensure the protection of roads, minimize impacts on neighbors, and preserve the integrity of the soil and land.

Good Neighbors

At Ørsted, we listen to the communities with which we work and are committed to being a good neighbor for years to come. Throughout the construction and operation of Geranium Solar , we will continue to meet with officials and the nearby communities to ensure a direct line of communication over any concerns that arise during and after construction.

The Highest Standards for Health, Safety, and Maintenance

 
As a long-term operator of solar and wind projects, Ørsted is committed to the highest quality standards to ensure a safe and reliable solar and battery energy systems – from the first steps of development to sourcing of materials and construction, and until the project is decommissioned. Standard project design, procurement, and construction practices include:

  • Procurement of solar panels from Tier 1 manufacturers that adhere to the highest quality standards.
  • Local procurement of materials and hiring, when possible.
  • Construction standards that minimize impacts to the environment and maintain stewardship of the land (for example, using native grasses to stabilize soils and promote habitat conservation).
  • Regular deployment of Operation & Maintenance staff to ensure site safety and peak performance.
  • 24/7 system monitoring to track performance and proactively detect any maintenance needs.

Our U.S. solar energy projects

Through an established execution model developed over decades of experience, we are delivering affordable, clean energy and transforming local economies across the U.S. Check out some of our solar projects below. 
FAQs
  • What are the benefits of solar energy?
    A utility-scale solar energy project can help transform local economies, which enhances the quality of life and opportunities in a community. Solar delivers affordable clean energy via predictable contracts that do not fluctuate over time.

    The cost of installing a ground-mounted, utility scale solar project declined by 90% over the last 10 years. These declines, combined with an unlimited and abundant free fuel source, make solar financially competitive with conventional power plants. Utilities and large companies across the country are taking advantage of this to procure a long-term, fixed-price supply of electricity.

    With millions of dollars in new tax revenue (or directed payments in lieu of taxes), communities can build new school facilities, enhance roads and bridges, and expand emergency services – all without increasing local taxes on property.
  • How will this project impact our community in Perry County?
    Geranium Solar will provide long-term value for Perry County and the state of Illinois – adding value to the local economy and cutting energy costs for consumers. The project will generate property tax revenue, which promotes economic development and can be used to support local schools and emergency services – all without the need to raise local tax rates. The project may help create local jobs during construction and will require ongoing support for operations and maintenance over the 30-year estimated life of the project.
  • How will this project benefit landowners?

    With extensive experience in many different regions, Ørsted understands the importance of the land to our lease partners; land that, in many cases, has been owned by families for generations. By hosting a solar project on their property, landowners stand to gain:

    • Stable Income Solar projects enable landowners to diversify their earnings through predictable, passive income from long-term lease payments. The extra income gives landowners the ability to invest back into their businesses and communities and can help individuals retire.
    • Land Stewardship Ørsted plants native grass mixes and vegetation below and around our solar arrays, preventing erosion and promoting site soil stability.
  • Will the solar panels be there forever?
    Geranium Solar is estimated to be in operation for approximately 30 years. At the end of the project’s life, Ørsted will restore the land to its original condition and ensure that all modules are properly decommissioned and recycled or reused. Ørsted has a global commitment to reuse or recycle all solar modules from our projects, with agreements in place in the United States with SOLARCYCLE and First Solar for recycling thin film and crystalline silicon modules.
  • Who is Ørsted?
    Ørsted is a global clean energy leader that’s driving growth in America’s clean energy sector.

    Today, Ørsted has a total U.S. land-based capacity of nearly 6 gigawatts across wind, solar, storage technologies and e-fuel in operation and under construction across Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast. Ørsted also holds the top position in offshore wind energy with approximately 5 gigawatts in development and operates America’s first offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Block Island.

    With over 650 employees working across 14 offices, we are combining our global experience and our local expertise to strengthen the American economy and build greater energy security through our integrated clean energy solutions.

    Learn more about Ørsted’s U.S. portfolio by visiting our website.

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Clean energy connects us all

A global clean energy leader, Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and land-based wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities
See our portfolio at us.orsted.com