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Counties / Winnebago County
Battery Storage Leases in Winnebago County
Winnebago County, anchored by Rockford, has 9 substations and 314 MW of battery projects in the queue. The Rockford metro grid infrastructure combined with surrounding agricultural land creates diverse siting opportunities.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
9
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
308x
$260/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what Winnebago County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 308x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 308x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 308x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 308x more |
Grid infrastructure in Winnebago County
Winnebago County has 9 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 Winnebago County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in Winnebago County?
Based on current industry rates, Winnebago 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 Winnebago County is $260/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in Winnebago County qualify?
Winnebago County is in the ComEd service territory with 9 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 Winnebago County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in Winnebago County:
Resources for Winnebago County landowners
Own land in Winnebago County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.