Little Prairie Hybrid
Project Overview
Little Prairie is a 163 MW solar + 135 MW battery storage project located in Champaign County, Illinois, between the Villages of Sidney and Homer. The Little Prairie Solar Project spans a total of approximately 785 acres fenced in for the solar facility, which will include solar panels, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and landscaping to provide a landscape shield around the site. The project will bring benefits to Champaign County by generating tax revenue, the creation of local jobs, and partnerships to support local programs and initiatives.
Capacity
163 MW Solar + 135 MW Battery Storage
Location
Champaign County, Illinois
Status
Undergoing Permitting
Community Benefits
Little Prairie Solar is actively working with Champaign County and several local organizations to maximize benefits to the community. Over the lifetime of the project, the estimated economic contribution is nearly $32 million.
$773,000 is expected to go directly to Sidney Township as tax revenue
An estimated $16 million will go directly to Heritage and Tolono School Districts.
This financial impact is projected to be roughly five times greater than what agriculture alone could generate on the Little Prairie site.
Beyond economic contributions, Little Prairie Solar is dedicated to supporting the future of agriculture in Champaign County. The project has pledged to partner with local organizations including the Farm Bureau, FFA, and other local programs to strengthen the county’s agricultural future.
The Little Prairie Project team is also exploring opportunities for onsite agricultural research and the development of pollinator-friendly habitats.