Overview
Grand Ridge Solar Farm is a 20 MW operational solar PV facility in Illinois, owned by Invenergy Services LLC. It contributes to the state's renewable energy portfolio under the US regulatory framework.
Grand Ridge Solar Farm is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), it operates as a medium-scale solar installation within the state's growing renewable energy sector. The facility is owned by Invenergy Services LLC, a prominent developer of clean energy projects. The plant utilizes solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, feeding into the local grid. Under the US regulatory landscape, the facility benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Illinois' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates a transition to 100% clean energy by 2050. These policies provide incentives and a supportive framework for solar energy development. Grand Ridge Solar Farm plays a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying Illinois' energy mix. Its location in the Midwest leverages the region's solar resource potential while supporting grid stability. The facility's operational status underscores its contribution to the state's renewable energy targets and the broader US clean energy transition.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in Illinois, a state with a strong agricultural and industrial base. Solar farms like Grand Ridge can have land-use impacts, converting agricultural or natural land to energy production. However, they produce no emissions during operation, aiding in air quality improvement and climate change mitigation. The region's grid integration challenges are addressed through modern inverter technology and grid interconnection standards.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Ridge Solar Farm is located in Illinois, United States, at coordinates 41.1434 N, -88.7583 W.
The facility has a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar installation.
The facility is owned by Invenergy Services LLC, a leading renewable energy developer in the United States.
Illinois' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets 100% clean energy by 2050, supported by the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which provides tax credits for solar projects.
By generating electricity from solar energy, the farm reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality.