Midwest Breakthrough: Illinois’ 800 MW Solar Giant Creates Economic Ripples Beyond Power

Illinois’s Double Black Diamond Solar project is creating waves beyond clean energy. The 800 MWdc facility near Springfield generated 500 construction jobs and surpassed one million safe work hours. It’s expected to provide $100 million in revenue to Sangamon and Morgan Counties, with 60% supporting local schools. Swift Current Energy committed an additional $10 million to community initiatives. The project’s American-made components showcase domestic solar industry’s expanding potential.

A renewable energy milestone has been reached in America’s heartland with the Double Black Diamond Solar project. This 800 MWdc (593 MWac) solar facility, located 30 miles west of Springfield, Illinois, now stands as the largest operating solar installation east of the Mississippi River.

Spanning across Morgan and Sangamon Counties, the project began commercial operation in 2024, with plans for an official inauguration ceremony in spring 2025. The facility was built using 1.6 million American-made solar panels mounted on U.S.-produced steel racking systems.

The construction phase created approximately 500 jobs and surpassed one million safe work hours. This facility contributes to the solar industry growth that added nearly 280,000 American jobs by the end of 2023. This achievement highlights the growing capabilities of America’s domestic solar industry. Once fully operational, the facility generates enough clean energy to power more than 100,000 homes annually.

Creating 500 jobs and powering 100,000 homes, this project showcases America’s growing solar industry capabilities.

Local communities will see substantial economic benefits. Officials expect the project to generate around $100 million in revenue for Sangamon and Morgan Counties over its lifetime. More than 60% of tax revenue will directly support public schools in the region. Swift Current Energy has also committed direct community contributions totaling $10 million to local recipients including the Sangamon Growth Alliance. The development received tax-equity financing led by Google, with construction funding from several financial institutions including MUFG, Société Générale, and Truist.

Developed by Swift Current Energy, the project has secured multiple power customers. The City of Chicago is sourcing 100% renewable power from the facility, along with Cook County, CVS Health, and Loyola University Chicago. Other companies including PPG, State Farm, and TransUnion are purchasing power through Constellation NewEnergy.

The facility’s strategic location in central Illinois allows it to deliver emissions-free power to Chicago and surrounding areas. This represents a major addition to renewable energy infrastructure in the Midwest region. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and local leaders are expected to attend the project’s formal inauguration next year.

Through its power purchase agreements, the Double Black Diamond Solar project isn’t just generating electricity – it’s supporting customer sustainability goals while creating jobs and tax revenue that benefit the entire region. It demonstrates how large-scale renewable energy projects can deliver both environmental and economic advantages.