Sol Systems is transforming a 1,050-acre historic subsurface mine site in Randolph County, Illinois, through the construction of a $345 million solar project. The company announced the financial close of the 182 MW project on Jan. 22.
Dubbed the Tilden Solar project, the system will produce enough renewable energy to power approximately 33,800 Illinois homes annually and illustrates the energy transition in progress by redeveloping a carbon-intensive mining site into a renewable energy asset generating community and ecosystem benefits for decades to come.
The Tilden project highlights Sol Systems’ unique approach to clean energy development, going beyond the megawatt to deliver long-term community benefits, ecosystem protection, and economic opportunities. The successful financial close of the project was made possible through key collaborations with ING, Churchill Stateside Group, Qcells, Nextracker, and McCarthy Building Cos., demonstrating the value of bringing together financial expertise, domestic manufacturing, and innovative construction practices to achieve impact-driven clean energy solutions.
“This project represents what Sol Systems is all about, bringing renewable energy solutions to the most challenging and impactful sites,” said Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems. “By working with trusted partners like ING, Churchill, Qcells, Nextracker, and McCarthy, we are able to not only provide clean energy but also invest in U.S. manufacturing, protect ecosystems, and support local communities. The Tilden project is a blueprint for how we believe clean energy development should be done.”
Transforming mines into renewable energy assets
An 840,000-acre swath of underground mines runs through southern Illinois, challenging surface land development across the state. By using this restricted land, Sol Systems pioneered a unique approach to renewable energy development. Historical mining operations helped advance economic development in the area for decades. When these mines closed in the 1990s, operations depleted the area of resources, no longer contributed to tax revenues, and in some instances prohibited infrastructure development on the surface — affecting the local community for generations.
Sol Systems collaborated with experts in mine engineering and reclamation to overcome challenges associated with the underground mining operation and burdened surface rights. The team successfully collaborated with Nextracker on a safe and effective tracker and foundation design for the site, and secured 147 surface waivers from unique entities, demonstrating the project’s complexity and Sol Systems’ commitment to tireless problem-solving.
The financing for this project reflects a strong partnership with financial institutions that share Sol Systems’ vision for impact-driven investment that supports local communities.
“Tilden Solar is ING’s third consecutive financing with Sol Systems,” said Matthew Rosetti, head of sectors for ING in the Americas. “The confidence we have in this management team’s execution capabilities enabled us to put forth a 100% underwrite of the project’s financing needs.”
Strengthening domestic supply chains
The Tilden project also underscores Sol Systems’ commitment to domestic supply chains, with Qcells providing U.S.-manufactured solar modules and Nextracker supplying U.S.-manufactured racking systems. The project reflects Sol Systems’ alignment with federal policy initiatives to promote domestic materials in renewable energy development.
“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,” said IP Kim, Qcells GES president.
Nextracker founder and CEO Dan Shugar added: “Together, we’re collaborating to deliver best-in-class tracker and foundation solutions, purpose-built to meet the project’s unique geotechnical and sustainability requirements, both above and below ground, using the best of American innovation.”
The Tilden project is a hallmark of Sol Systems’ Infrastructure + Impact approach, which emphasizes delivering lasting community impact alongside clean energy deployment. On top of millions of dollars in estimated tax revenues, the project will deploy at least 20 years of ongoing investments in local workforce development, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship initiatives to ensure that the benefits of clean energy extend beyond the project itself. Additionally, the Tilden Solar project is creating approximately 300 construction jobs, with the majority being local hires in collaboration with area unions, including carpenters, operators, and electricians.
“Building this project on a subsurface mine requires innovation, precision, and a commitment to doing things safely,” said Andy Poirot, VP of the Tilden Solar project construction for McCarthylding Companies, the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. “We are proud to work alongside Sol Systems to bring the Tilden project to life. This is a prime example of how renewable energy projects can create new opportunities within our industry and for the communities where projects are being built, while preserving the environment for future generations.”
Sol Systems is also working with conservation partners to implement ecosystem restoration initiatives, including efforts to promote and preserve native species and pollinator habitat on-site. These initiatives further demonstrate Sol Systems’ focus on environmental stewardship as a core component of project development.
Tags: Sol Systems, utility-scale
