McLean County Board Approves New Solar Facility

The 20-megawatt solar farm will include battery storage in Blue Mound Township.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:20am

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A miniature 3D diorama illustration showing rows of solar panels, battery storage units, and a rural landscape, representing a new renewable energy project approved for McLean County.A new solar energy facility approved for Blue Mound Township will bring renewable power and battery storage to McLean County.Bloomington Today

The McLean County Board has approved the construction of a new 20-megawatt commercial solar energy facility in the Cooksville area, which will include a battery storage system. The project was granted approval on Thursday.

Why it matters

The new solar farm is part of the county's efforts to increase renewable energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The battery storage system will help improve grid stability and allow the solar facility to provide power even when the sun isn't shining.

The details

The solar facility will be built on approximately 150 acres of land in Blue Mound Township. It will feature solar panels capable of generating up to 20 megawatts of electricity, as well as a battery storage system to store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours.

  • The McLean County Board approved the project on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

McLean County Board

The governing body of McLean County, Illinois that approved the construction of the new solar facility.

Blue Mound Township

The township in McLean County where the new 20-megawatt solar farm will be located.

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What’s next

The solar facility is expected to begin construction later this year and be operational by the end of 2027.

The takeaway

This new solar project is a significant step forward for McLean County's renewable energy goals, providing clean, sustainable power while also incorporating battery storage to improve grid reliability.