Solar farm to make ‘significant addition’ to state’s solar generating capacity

GALESBURG, Ill. (KWQC) — The City of Galesburg celebrated the opening of their new solar farm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A company called Nexamp and Trajectory Energy Partners opened the Blue Grama Solar Farm.

Officials said the farm will generate more than 4.7 MW of power for the local grid.

The site features more than 8,000 solar panels and the company said it makes a significant addition to the state’s solar generating capacity.

Josh Bushinski, co-founder and partner at Trajectory Energy Partners, said they’re seeing increased demand in Illinois and across the country.

“We’re seeing data centers and AI for the first time in frankly decades raise the demand for electricity in a real way,” Bushinski said. “And at the same time, in part because of that, electricity prices are going up.”

He said the project will save subscribers an average of 15% on their electricity bill.

“What we’re able to do is both meet that new demand quickly and save people money,” Bushinski said.

The solar farm is the first community-driven community solar project completed as part of the Illinois Shines Program.

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