Pride of the Prairie Solar will primarily feature rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted on steel frames, which are secured to driven steel posts, with central inverters placed throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the Project area will be enclosed with an agricultural-style fence for security and safety. Additionally, landscaping will be incorporated in various areas to improve the site's visual appeal.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules harvest energy from the sun to generate direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is sent to electrical inverters, where it is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity is then aggregated and transformed to match the voltage of the electrical grid at the project substation, where it connects to the transmission infrastructure of our natural gas plant and is sold in the market. 

No, photovoltaic (PV) modules are specifically designed to absorb sunlight rather than reflect it. The amount of sunlight absorbed by the modules is directly related to the electricity generated, so they are engineered to maximize sunlight absorption while minimizing reflection. Standard solar module glass is made with anti-reflective coatings. Additionally, solar facilities generate minimal noise since they lack large mechanical components. We design our facilities to ensure that any increase in noise from their operation is insignificant for neighboring properties.

As part of the development process, Pride of the Prairie Solar will submit Special Use Permit (SUP) applications to the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Village of Manhattan. These permits are necessary before a company can construct and operate a solar project in these areas. Additionally, as part of the permitting process for the solar array, Pride of the Prairie will host a public Town Hall meeting in September 2025.

The operational life of the facility is expected to be 35-50 years.

Pride of the Prairie Solar will oversee the maintenance of the property. We collaborate closely with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure effective drainage, ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management on the site. Additionally, we implement vegetation management plans and adhere to construction best management practices to encourage the growth of native vegetation while controlling overgrowth and invasive plant species.

At the conclusion of the Project's lifespan, Pride of the Prairie Solar will be tasked with dismantling the equipment and restoring the site to its original condition. During the permitting process, the county and village will evaluate Pride of the Prairie's proposed decommissioning plan to ensure that adequate consideration and funding are in place.

The Project will make substantial direct investments in the community and will be contributing significant property tax revenue and increasing the availability of clean energy in Illinois. Additionally, the construction of the solar facility will create hundreds of new job opportunities and stimulate local businesses through the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other supplies.

Throughout the construction phase, there will be a temporary rise in traffic and noise levels, which is common for projects of this nature. However, once the Project is up and running, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Over the course of the Project's lifespan, it will not place a strain on the services and utilities of Will County.

All of our solar facilities are remotely monitored 24/7 to ensure proper functionality and safety. In addition, Earthrise Energy will contract with an operations and maintenance team to conduct periodic inspections and maintenance visits.

The Earthrise RISE Grant program is fully funded by Earthrise Energy’s own profits as a Public Benefit LLC. This reflects our commitment to reinvesting in the communities we serve. We do not apply for or receive any government grants to support this program.