DeLuca Introduces Commonsense Commercial Solar Regulations to Protect Homeowners
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. – Hearing from homeowners concerned about the impact of sprawling commercial solar farm developments, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, has introduced a plan to enable minimum 500-foot setbacks between homes and solar properties.
“When I engage Will County residents, it’s clear that people don’t want to be stuck with massive solar arrays right next to their home,” DeLuca said. “There are legitimate concerns regarding property values and environmental impact, which is why I’m putting forth a simple proposal that fairly prioritizes existing homeowners.”
DeLuca filed House Bill 4135 Monday, which would update existing solar zoning law and authorize counties to increase the setback distance for solar energy projects from either 50 or 150 feet, depending on the property, to 500 feet universally. The measure is focused on large-scale commercial solar developments, not individual homeowner solar panel use.
“While many of us are intrigued by the development of solar, it needs to be handled in a responsible way that provides flexibility for local governments,” DeLuca said. “I look forward to continuing to engage Will County residents and officials as we navigate this new development.”
For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.