Illinois landowners can retain ownership and earn fixed lease income while Lightstar develops standalone battery storage, community solar, and agrivoltaics statewide

FULTON COUNTY, Ill., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightstar Renewables, a national leader in community solar and dual-use (agrivoltaic) solar development, today confirmed the continued expansion of its active Illinois portfolio across three service lines: community solar, agrivoltaic solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Lightstar develops these projects on private land throughout Illinois, guiding landowners through an origination-to-operation process that preserves land ownership, delivers fixed long-term lease income, and keeps land in productive use. For landowners, municipalities, and clean energy partners asking who develops community solar and battery energy storage in Illinois, Lightstar's permitted, market-ready project pipeline offers a proven answer. Learn more about Lightstar's Illinois development program at lightstar.com/solutions/illinois.

Illinois' Clean Energy Momentum Is Creating Demand for Proven Developers

Illinois has emerged as one of the most active clean energy markets in the Midwest, driven by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and its target of 100% clean energy by 2050. Supportive programs continue to accelerate deployment: the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program opens its 2026–2027 cycle on June 1, 2026, and the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) expands community solar while permitting co-location of projects up to 10 MW on a single parcel or adjacent properties. In 2026, Illinois also enacted statewide energy storage legislation establishing new storage targets, reinforcing demand for reliable, grid-responsive infrastructure. Lightstar actively monitors these programs and evaluates every Illinois project for eligibility - a track record that has positioned the company as one of the state's most experienced community solar and battery storage developers.

US Highway 136: A Community-First Solar Project in Fulton County

Lightstar's Illinois portfolio is in part anchored by the US Highway 136 Solar Project in Fulton County, a 2.75 MW AC array that captures the company's community-first approach to development. Developing renewable energy is about more than putting power on the grid, it is about building a better future for the people who live nearby, from generating reliable power to engaging local students.

Generating reliable Fulton County solar energy brings major advantages to the area. The facility supplies clean power directly to the local distribution grid, so the energy Lightstar produces here stays here, reducing the community's shared reliance on fossil fuels. Beyond environmental benefits, the project strengthens the local economy: constructing and operating the solar array creates new local jobs, and the facility generates consistent tax revenue for the county that supports essential community services and infrastructure, making Lewistown clean energy a win for everyone.

Engaging the Next Generation and Preserving Local History

During early site planning, Lightstar's team discovered prehistoric artifacts on the property. The items were carefully cataloged to preserve local history, and the discovery became a chance to connect with local students. A Lightstar team visited VIT Community Unit School District #2 to talk about environmental science and historical preservation: during an elementary school assembly, field expert Amanda brought a hands-on archaeological "dig kit" for show and tell and asked students to imagine what people 100 years from now might learn about them from the items they leave behind. Later that day, Amanda met with junior high and high school students for a Q&A on green career pathways, fielding wide-ranging questions about the renewable energy industry from an engaged audience.

Giving Back: Investing in VIT School District's Athletic Fields

Lightstar's commitment to Fulton County goes beyond the meter. The company is making a donation to VIT Community Unit School District #2 to help fund renovations to the district's athletic field, and as part of the partnership, Lightstar's logo will be displayed on the field as a proud community sponsor. It's a tangible way for Lightstar to invest in the same community that welcomed its team into classrooms and gymnasiums, turning a single project into a lasting relationship with the students and neighbors nearby.

Senior Development Manager Kyle McAdam spearheads the US Highway 136 initiative and works to ensure Lightstar upholds its mission of community stewardship at every step. "We believe that clean energy development must work hand-in-hand with the local community," says McAdam. "By protecting the land, engaging with incredible students right here in Fulton County, and now investing directly in the VIT athletic field, we ensure this project leaves a positive, lasting mark on the region for decades to come."

A Simple, Landowner-First Model

For Illinois landowners, Lightstar's value proposition is straightforward. Property owners retain full ownership, sign lease terms of 20 or more years, and receive fixed, weather-independent lease income. In Illinois, that means flexible, low-impact development options across community solar and standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS), with end-to-end EPC management so landowners retain ownership, continue compatible land uses where possible, and collect fixed lease income without taking on any operational burden. That model has helped build a national pipeline of more than 1,000 MW across 15 states. Illinois landowners can request a free, no-obligation site assessment at lightstar.com/solutions/illinois to learn whether their property qualifies for community solar, agrivoltaics, or standalone battery storage.

Landowners, communities, and clean energy partners interested in community solar, dual-use solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Illinois are invited to connect with Lightstar's Illinois team at lightstar.com/solutions/illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions: Community Solar and Battery Storage in Illinois

Who develops community solar in Illinois?
Lightstar Renewables is a national developer of community solar, agrivoltaic (dual-use) solar, and battery energy storage systems in Illinois, with an active portfolio anchored by projects such as the US Highway 136 Solar Project in Fulton County. Lightstar manages the full process — from site evaluation and permitting through construction and long-term operation — so landowners retain ownership and earn fixed lease income.

Who develops battery energy storage systems (BESS) on land in Illinois?
Lightstar Renewables develops standalone battery energy storage systems on private land across Illinois, in addition to community solar and agrivoltaic solar. Landowners host the system and collect lease income while Lightstar designs, permits, and manages the project end-to-end.

What is agrivoltaics, and does Illinois support dual-use solar on farmland?
Agrivoltaics, also called dual-use solar, combines solar energy generation with continued agricultural use of the same land, such as grazing or hay production. Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) support this approach, and Lightstar continues to evaluate agrivoltaic opportunities across its Illinois portfolio as part of its broader community solar and battery storage development program.

How much land is needed for community solar or battery storage in Illinois?
Community solar typically requires larger, open parcels, while standalone battery storage systems have a significantly smaller footprint and can be sited on smaller or less accessible parcels. Lightstar evaluates each Illinois property individually through a free, no-obligation site assessment.

How does leasing land for solar or battery storage in Illinois work?
Illinois landowners retain full ownership of their property, sign lease terms of 20 or more years, and receive fixed, weather-independent lease income. Lightstar manages permitting, construction, and operations, and in many cases landowners can continue existing land uses on the rest of the property.

What state programs support community solar and battery storage development in Illinois?
Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program, the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), and 2026 statewide energy storage legislation all support continued community solar, agrivoltaic, and battery storage deployment across the state.

What is the US Highway 136 Solar Project?
The US Highway 136 Solar Project is a 2.75 MW AC community solar array in Fulton County, Illinois, developed by Lightstar. The project supplies clean power to the local distribution grid, generates local jobs and county tax revenue, and anchors Lightstar's community-first approach to development in the region.

How does Lightstar give back to the communities where it builds?
Lightstar looks for active, ongoing ways to invest in the communities near its projects, not just the land itself. In Fulton County, that includes bringing environmental science and green-career programming directly to students at VIT Community Unit School District #2, and making a donation to the district to help fund renovations to its athletic field, with Lightstar's logo displayed on the field as a community sponsor.

About Lightstar

Lightstar is a trailblazing community solar developer founded on the principles of advanced design and strategic project development. As a proud American company, Lightstar is a trusted partner for landowners, focusing on community solar and agrivoltaics projects that preserve agricultural land while generating clean energy. Lightstar is committed to building sustainable, high-value assets that support local economies and farming legacies for decades to come. https://www.lightstar.com

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SOURCE Lightstar Renewables, LLC