Sol Systems is set to transform a 1,050-acre historic subsurface mine site in Randolph County, Illinois, into a $345 million solar energy project. The company announced on January 22 that it has secured financing for the 182 MW initiative, marking a significant step forward in repurposing the once carbon-intensive site.
Named the Tilden Solar project, the system will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 33,800 Illinois homes annually. This initiative underscores the ongoing energy transition by converting a former mining site into a sustainable energy asset that will deliver environmental, economic, and community benefits for decades.
The project reflects Sol Systems’ commitment to clean energy development that goes beyond simply generating power. The company emphasizes long-term community benefits, ecosystem protection, and economic opportunities. The successful financing of the project was achieved through collaborations with ING, Churchill Stateside Group, Qcells, Nextracker, and McCarthy Building Cos. These partnerships highlight the importance of combining financial expertise, domestic manufacturing, and innovative construction practices to create impactful clean energy solutions.
“This project represents what Sol Systems is all about—delivering renewable energy solutions to challenging and impactful sites,” said Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems. “By working with trusted partners like ING, Churchill, Qcells, Nextracker, and McCarthy, we are not only providing clean energy but also investing in U.S. manufacturing, protecting ecosystems, and supporting local communities. The Tilden project is a blueprint for how clean energy development should be done.”
The Tilden Solar project is a prime example of how renewable energy development can breathe new life into historically industrial sites, creating a cleaner, more sustainable future while benefiting local communities and the environment.
