BRISTOL community solar project

We selected this site because it offers excellent sunlight exposure, proximity to existing power lines, and aligns with local and state guidelines. Most importantly, we believe this land can serve a greater purpose—providing  local and reliable energy to our community.

In short: you do.
Our community solar project allows local residents, schools, and small businesses to subscribe and receive bill credits on their electricity—without needing panels on their roofs. It's a win-win: you save money, support clean energy, and keep more dollars in the local economy. 

This project also creates job. Local electricians, engineers, landscapers, and other workers are hired during construction and maintenance. We prioritize using local vendors and labor. 

No—quite the opposite.

Community solar is designed to lower electricity bills. By subscribing, participants receive a monthly credit that helps offset their regular utility costs. You're supporting renewable energy and saving money at the same time.

Read more about the Illinois Solar For All Program to see how much your “guaranteed savings on electric bills” can be 

Nope. This is a community-scale project, typically around 5–25 acres. The energy it generates goes straight into the local grid and benefits local subscribers, not distant markets or utility companies.

Not at all. Solar farms are quiet (no generators or fans), odorless, and have no smokestacks or emissions. Once built, they just sit there silently turning sunlight into electricity. We also plant native grass and pollinator-friendly ground cover and vegetative screening to keep the site natural and attractive.

The land remains in agricultural or open space zoning, and we only lease it temporarily. At the end of the project's life (typically 25–35 years), the solar equipment is removed, and the land can return to its previous use—often in even better condition thanks to soil regeneration.

 This is one of the most common questions we get — and the good news is, the research is clear: solar farms do not negatively impact nearby property values. In fact, several studies — including right here in Illinois and across the Midwest — show no consistent or measurable decline in value for homes near solar projects.

Here’s what the data says:

• A study by CohnReznick LLP analyzing property sales in Illinois and Indiana found no negative impact on adjacent property values.
• Research by Loyola University Chicago looked at 70 solar farms across the Midwest and found a slight increase in nearby home values (0.5% to 2%).
• The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers reviewed rural markets in Illinois and concluded that solar projects pose no threat to farmland values.
  

Unlike industrial developments, solar farms are quiet, non-polluting, and low to the ground — making them one of the least disruptive land uses in rural or semi-rural areas.

📚 Read more about these studies
📚 Midwest summary from Canary Media
📚 ASFMRA industry article 

Construction of a solar project is relatively quick and low-impact—no blasting, no heavy excavation, and no large-scale roadwork.

Here's what typically happens:

1. Site prep – We install erosion controls and mark out boundaries. If any grading is needed, it's minimal and carefully managed.
2. Racking & panel installation – Metal racks are placed on driven posts (no concrete), and solar panels are mounted.
3. Wiring & equipment – We install inverters and connect the system to the grid. All electrical work is done by licensed professionals.
4. Landscaping – We plant grasses or pollinator-friendly ground cover to stabilize the soil and beautify the site.
5. Final inspections – Local authorities and utility crews inspect everything before we flip the switch.

Most of the work is done during daylight hours (typically 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and we're committed to being good neighbors throughout. We also limit noise and dust, and we always clean up after ourselves.

Yes! If you're a local utility customer, you can subscribe to receive energy bill credits from this project. There's no equipment, no long-term contract, and no hassle. Just savings and solar. 💡