Double Back Diamond Solar Farm represents a significant fusion of the state’s energy and farming futures. This large-scale project is a direct contributor to Illinois’s ambitious clean energy goals, demonstrating how solar generation can become a new, complementary land use that supports rural communities and the grid.
Significance & Context
The Double Back Diamond Solar Farm is a major 150-megawatt (MW) facility being developed in Sangamon County. The project is a key component of the state’s transition under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which mandates a 100% carbon-free power sector by 2045. Its entire output has been contracted through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ameren Illinois, as part of the utility’s procurement process overseen by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The facility will generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes and will play a crucial role in displacing fossil fuel generation on the central Illinois grid.
Development Timeline
The project’s development began with land acquisition and feasibility studies in 2020. It successfully secured its interconnection agreement with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a status visible in the public MISO Generation Interconnection Queue. After being selected in Ameren’s competitive procurement round and securing local permits from the Sangamon County Board, the project broke ground in early 2024. It is currently in the construction phase and is on track to achieve commercial operation by the second half of 2025.
Technology & Innovation
The Double Back Diamond Solar Farm will utilize single-axis tracking systems to maximize energy production throughout the day. A key innovative feature is its commitment to agrivoltaics. The project plan includes establishing significant pollinator habitats and exploring compatible crop cultivation beneath and around the solar arrays. This approach, supported by research from the University of Illinois Extension on dual-use solar, aims to maintain agricultural productivity, support local ecosystems, and improve soil health, setting a new standard for sustainable solar development in the state.
Challenges & Controversies
A primary challenge for the Double Back Diamond project was navigating local zoning regulations and addressing concerns from some residents about the change in land use from traditional agriculture to solar generation. To secure a special use permit from the Sangamon County Board, the developers engaged in a lengthy public review process, which included town hall meetings and detailed submissions to the Sangamon County Zoning Department. The resolution involved agreeing to enhanced setback requirements, a robust visual screening plan with vegetation buffers, and a legally binding decommissioning agreement to ensure the land can be returned to its original state.
Community & Economic Impact
The project is delivering a substantial economic boost to Sangamon County. During the peak construction phase, Double Back Diamond Solar typically employs over 250 workers, providing a significant influx of business for local hotels, restaurants, and suppliers. Over its 30-year operational life, the project is projected to generate millions of dollars in new property tax revenue. This revenue will likely contribute critically to local school districts, fire protection districts, and county services without raising taxes on residents. For the participating landowners, the long-term lease payments offer a stable and drought-resistant source of income, providing financial security and diversifying the rural economy.
Future Outlook
Once operational, the Double Back Diamond Solar Farm will be a long-term clean energy asset for Illinois. Its success will serve as a model for future agrivoltaic projects in the state. The project’s design also allows for the potential future co-location of battery energy storage. As battery technology advances and costs decline, a trend tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adding storage could allow the facility to supply power during peak evening hours, further enhancing its value to the Ameren Illinois grid and solidifying its role in meeting the state’s clean energy and reliability goals.
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