Kewanee Economic Development Corporation partners with Sunpin Solar to Launch First Solar Energy Initiative for Kewanee Community
The Kewanee Economic Development Corporation ("KEDC") is excited to announce an economic development initiative with California-based solar developer Sunpin Solar Development, LLC by signing an Option and Lease Agreement for a potential major solar energy project site within the community. A lunch and learn hosted by the KEDC along with Sunpin Solar briefing on the community benefits of solar energy has been scheduled from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm for April 25, 2019, at Wethersfield School District-Moss Gym (439 Willard Street, Kewanee, IL 61443).
The solar site, 1.5 miles north of Route 81 and 2 miles east of Route 78, is located in KEDC's Lininger Industrial Park with a 138-kV Ameren substation located less than ½ mile south of the site. This 136-acre site will host an approximate 25 megawatt ("MW") solar system with an estimated annual production of up to 46,100 megawatt-hours ("MWh") based on current design. The total annual production could power 3,900 homes annually.
"Sunpin Solar partnering with KEDC brings a growing solar opportunity to Kewanee. We are proud to participate with Sunpin Solar to benefit not only the environment with green energy but our local community with a sustainable source of electricity. Welcome Sunpin Solar," said Tom Ratliff, Vice President of KEDC.
"We are honored to introduce ourselves and our commitment to the Kewanee community through solar energy," said XJ Chen, Vice President of Development at Sunpin Solar. "Sunpin Solar was initially established in Illinois so it has its roots here. With the recent renewable energy legislation announced in our "home state," the company is implementing an aggressive plan of solar investments in Illinois in the next few years. The project in Kewanee is our second ground-mount solar photovoltaic project in the State of Illinois, and we are excited about strengthening our relationship with both the local and state governments. We look forward to bringing more local jobs and expanding solar education within the Kewanee community while generating more clean energy production."
"KEDC partnering with Sunpin Solar to bring a solar project installation to Kewanee's Lininger Industrial Park is an example of creative economic development. The project installation will bring economic development dollars to Kewanee that will stay in, and be invested in, the Kewanee community," said Kathy Albert, Executive Director of KEDC. "This partnership is an example of growing Kewanee from within and gives Kewanee economic development opportunities it would not otherwise have."
KEDC has the support of local Kewanee officials such as City Manager, Gary Bradley. "The City has been working with KEDC to help bring this project to fruition," said Bradley, adding, "It's an innovative way to help add to the local economy. Renewable energy has a strong presence in Henry County, and we're excited about the opportunity to work with Sunpin and our economic development partners in the community to continue that trend."
Sunpin Solar is also committed to working with local educational institutions to prepare the next generation of engineers and tradesmen and tradeswomen for jobs in the green, clean energy sector.
Recognized as a 2018 Top 5 Solar Developer in the U.S. by Solar Power World, Sunpin Solar is a solar development, investment, and asset management company with projects developed and built in Illinois, California, Maryland and Massachusetts. Sunpin Solar is always looking for opportunities to partner with local communities to demonstrate the benefits of solar energy.
Sunpin Solar | www.sunpinsolar.us
KEDC | kedcorp.org
