Suncode Energy Pitches Six-Part Community Solar Project Near Martinsville

Suncode Energy outlined plans for its Summit Project at a public hearing on June 10, presenting a “community solar” model that differs from traditional utility-scale developments. The project, located on a 236-acre parcel east of the Martinsville fairgrounds, consists of six smaller, co-located solar farms.

Sean Pluta, representing Suncode, explained that each of the six projects will produce 5 megawatts (MW) of power. Unlike larger solar farms that feed electricity into high-voltage transmission lines, these community solar projects connect directly to the local distribution grid. This structure, Pluta said, is intended to “encourage Ameren and Comm Ed to invest in solar” and allows their customers to apply for a discount on their electricity bills.

Deric Wagner, Director of Development for Suncode, noted the project would generate enough power for 6,000 to 7,000 homes. He projected it would provide approximately $2.5 million in tax revenue to the Martinsville School District over its lifetime.

Sean Hickey of the Kimley-Horn Engineering Firm detailed the project’s unique physical layout. Each 5 MW site will be fenced separately and treated as its own legal entity with its own access roads and interconnection pole. Hickey addressed potential disturbances, stating that a sound study found the project’s inverters produce a noise comparable to “an old refrigerator humming.” He also assured the board that any drain tiles broken during construction must be replaced by the construction company.

The project is guided by the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which supports community-level solar development. Pluta explained the tax assessment for solar farms is mandated by the state, based on megawatt production rather than traditional property values. Suncode confirmed the project is fully funded and that they are required to pay local prevailing wages for construction.