The construction phase of the Tilden project is creating 300 jobs.

Sol Systems has initiated construction on the 182MW Tilden solar energy project in Randolph County, Illinois, US.

The $345m development, located on a former subsurface mine site spanning 1,050 acres, will supply clean electricity to 33,800 homes annually.

The construction phase is creating 300 jobs.

Financial backing was secured through collaborations with financial and construction partners ING, Churchill Stateside Group, Qcells, Nextracker and McCarthy Building Companies.

Sol Systems CEO Yuri Horwitz stated: “This project represents what Sol Systems is all about — bringing renewable energy solutions to the most challenging and impactful sites.

“By working with trusted partners […] we are able to not only provide clean energy but also invest in US manufacturing, protect ecosystems and support local communities. The Tilden project is a blueprint for how we believe clean energy development should be done.”

The project is located on an 840,000-acre restricted site with an extensive network of underground mines which ceased operations in the 1990s and had left the area depleted of resources and hindered surface development.

Sol Systems has worked closely with mine engineering and reclamation experts to address these challenges and has secured numerous surface waivers.

Financial institutions have played a crucial role in the Tilden project which aligns with US federal policies aimed at encouraging the use of domestic materials in renewable energy projects.

Tilden project worked closely with Qcells and Nextracker which are contributing US-manufactured solar modules and racking systems respectively, reinforcing the commitment to domestic supply chains.

Qcells GES president IP Kim stated: “At Qcells, we are proud to be a part of a project that not only advances renewable energy but also strengthens the US manufacturing supply chain.

“The Tilden project highlights the importance of using domestically produced modules to meet the nation’s clean energy goals, while also delivering economic benefits to American workers. We’re excited to partner with Sol Systems to make this innovative project a reality.”

The Tilden solar project will generate significant tax revenue over its lifetime while investing in local workforce development, community partnerships and environmental initiatives.

Sol Systems is partnering with conservation groups to enhance ecosystem restoration efforts on-site.

In a separate development in early January 2025, Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has unveiled a series of renewable energy projects in the US state of Oklahoma, amounting to more than 700 megawatts alternating current.