U.S. Highway 136 Solar Project: Clean Energy for Logan County
We are developing the 2100th Ave Solar Project to bring reliable power to the region. Located on a 39-acre site with agricultural zoning, this facility features a 4.5MWAC single-axis tracker system. This advanced tracker design allows the panels to follow the sun, maximizing energy production throughout the day to serve the local grid.
Delivering Major Environmental Benefits
This project creates a massive positive impact on the local environment. Every year, the facility will generate enough electricity to power 928 homes. It also will remove 4,770 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. This reduction equals taking 12.1 million driven miles off the road. We want you to breathe cleaner air while benefiting from local power generation!
Creating Lasting Societal Benefits
Beyond generating electricity, we prioritize the local ecosystem and economy. Over the next 10 years, the project will support the growth of 80,000 tree seedlings. Furthermore, it conserves the equivalent of 4,500 acres of forest.
We also designed this project to lower your utility bills. Through the Illinois community solar program, local families can purchase clean power at a discounted rate. We specifically target these savings for low- and middle-income (LMI) customers. You get access to affordable, clean energy in Atlanta Township without needing to install rooftop panels.
Engaging Local Students
Community development means investing in the people who live here. Recently, our team visited the VIT Community Unit School District #2 to connect with students about the work happening right in their backyard.
During an elementary school assembly, students were presented with a hands-on archaeological "dig kit" for show and tell. The young students were asked to imagine what people 100 years from now might learn about them based on the items they leave behind. They shared fun, personal ideas, including stuffed animals, favorite clothes, and gaming systems.
Later that day, it was the junior high school students' turn to discuss career pathways via a detailed Q&A session covering specific backgrounds and experiences in the renewable energy field. The students stayed highly engaged, and many remained after the presentation to ask specific questions about their future opportunities.
Two women present a digital slide titled 'Careers on Projects' to a crowd of students in a high school gymnasium, highlighting professional roles like field archaeologists and project managers.
A high-angle view from the gym bleachers showing a large group of students watching a career presentation about environmental and project management roles.
Dedicated Leadership
Strong projects require dedicated leaders. Senior Development Manager Kyle McAdam at Lightstar shows deep dedication to community-led development. He makes sure we always uphold the core Lightstar mission: building clean energy projects that work hand-in-hand with the local community. His guidance ensures that we leave a positive mark on Logan County, both on the power grid and in local classrooms.
