Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / Stephenson County
Battery Storage Leases in Stephenson County
Stephenson County in northwestern Illinois has 486 MW of battery projects in the interconnection queue. The Lena and Lancaster substations provide viable connection points for energy storage projects on the region's productive farmland.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
4
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
314x
$255/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what Stephenson County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 314x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 314x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 314x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 314x more |
Grid infrastructure in Stephenson County
Stephenson County has 4 ComEd substations that may have available capacity for battery storage interconnection. Key substations include:
Not every property near a substation will qualify. Available capacity, queue depth, and feeder configuration determine viability. Our team evaluates each site individually at no cost.
Common questions from Stephenson County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in Stephenson County?
Based on current industry rates, Stephenson County landowners can earn $40,000 to $80,000 per year from a 5-10 MW battery storage project. This uses only 0.5 to 1 acre of land. Current average farm cash rent in Stephenson County is $255/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in Stephenson County qualify?
Stephenson County is in the ComEd service territory with 4 substations. Whether your specific property qualifies depends on proximity to a substation with available interconnection capacity. Submit a free assessment at illinoisbattery.com/apply to find out.
How much land do I need?
A typical battery storage project needs 0.2 to 2 acres — far less than solar. A 5 MW project uses about 0.5 acres. The rest of your property stays in production.
Is there any cost to me?
No. The developer covers all costs — permitting, construction, equipment, maintenance, and insurance. There is no cost to the landowner at any point.
Towns in Stephenson County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in Stephenson County:
Resources for Stephenson County landowners
Own land in Stephenson County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.