It’s much harder than it used to be. Compliant requests “shall be approved,” and counties can’t ban solar from agricultural zones (§5-12020(g), §5-12020(h)). The appellate courts are split: the Third District says counties must approve (Grundy), the Fourth says they keep “some discretion” (Winnebago). The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing the question (ArentFox Schiff).

Under the siting law, it’s a ground-mounted solar system built mainly to sell power rather than for use on the property (§5-12020(a), 35 ILCS 200/10-720). The state’s standard agricultural impact agreement covers facilities of 500 kilowatts or more (Standard Solar AIMA). Projects range from 5 MW on 40 acres in Whiteside County to 6,100 acres in Will County (Shaw Local, Shaw Local).

The developer must locate and GPS-map tile, deliver as-built maps within 60 days, and repair damage (AIMA). It files its own drainage plan and may cross drainage district tile without the district’s prior approval (§5-12020(j-5), §5-12020(t)). More

The developer, backed by financial assurance that phases in to 100% by the 11th year of operation (AIMA). Counties can’t require more (§5-12020(j)). More

It varies. For Will County’s Pride of the Prairie, a board member cited a 30-year lifespan (Shaw Local).

The research is mixed. Berkeley Lab found homes within half a mile sold for about 1.5% less on average. The effect showed up for rural homes, larger projects and projects built on farmland, in a six-state study that doesn’t include Illinois (LBNL). A Loyola study of 70 Midwest projects found 0.5–2.0% increases (Loyola). Counties can’t require a value guarantee (§5-12020(k)).

Most commonly $1,000–$1,999 per acre per year for new solar or wind leases, per a 2026 farm-manager survey (AgriNews, farmdoc).

A county may require up to 150 ft from a non-participating home, 50 ft from the property line and 50 ft from the road right-of-way, measured from the nearest above-ground part of the facility (not the fence). A neighbor can waive these in writing (§5-12020(e)).

No earthen berms. A county may require screening between the facility and non-participating homes, but since June 1, 2026 it can’t require screening taller than 5 ft when first installed (§5-12020(l); P.A. 104-458).

The hearing must conclude within 60 days of the application (since June 1, 2026; before that it only had to be held within 60 days), and the decision is due within 30 days after (§5-12020(c)).

Watch county and newspaper legal notices (§5-12020(c)). Interested parties can present evidence and cross-examine (§5-12020(c)). A Will County judge forced a second hearing when that right was denied (Chicago Tribune). Hearing checklist

No. We oppose state rules that force utility-scale solar onto prime farmland over local objections.

The Illinois Land and Farmland Preservation Coalition, an Illinois independent expenditure committee. info@illinoisfarmlandpreservation.com