Renewable energy project promises jobs and environmental benefits

In a recent government meeting, Reactivate, a renewable energy company based in Chicago, presented plans for a new solar photovoltaic facility in Heartland Township. The proposed project will feature a 2.4 Megawatt alternating current solar system, situated on a 22-acre parcel located approximately 1,860 feet west of the East Spring Street and Shelter Road intersection.

The facility is expected to generate around 4.57 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 430 homes. Key components of the project include the installation of 5,000 solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracker system, designed with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare. The project aims to avoid concrete use for the structure, opting instead for steel piles to support the solar array, which will stand under 20 feet high.

In addition to its energy production capabilities, Reactivate emphasized the project's potential social and environmental benefits. The company aims to create job opportunities and energy cost savings for moderate-income and energy transition communities, while also supporting locally owned businesses. The facility will be remotely monitored, ensuring minimal traffic to the site, and will feature a 7-foot high chain link fence designed to allow wildlife movement, with no barbed wire used.

The meeting highlighted Reactivate's commitment to delivering renewable energy options and environmental benefits to underserved communities, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy development in the region.