“Putting solar in is allowing me to retire from farming while keeping the land in the family, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner for these projects. Every step of the way, Encore and their partners have respected me and my land. ”
Johnson Lake 1 Solar
Powering farms that work for farmers
Johnson Lake 1 Solar is part of a portfolio of Encore solar projects in Bureau County, Illinois. Once complete, Johnson Lake 1 Solar will supply 5MW of reliable renewable energy to community solar subscribers across the state, lowering their energy bills while bolstering energy independence. Johnson Lake Solar 1 allows the landowners to maximize the value of their agricultural land, monetizing less productive acres with solar while restoring soil health and creating a reliable revenue over the project’s lifespan.
Sheffield, Illinois
Johnson Lake 1 Solar by the Numbers
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36.5acres of farmlandkept in the family
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4.9MWenergy capacity
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100%of electricityto IL community solar subscribers
Project Stage
Began construction September 2025
Project Benefits
- Helping Illinois reach their state energy goals
- Keeping land in the family for generations to come
- Exploring dual land use opportunities like solar grazing
Community Partners
Johnson Lake 1 Solar Stories
Encore’s Environmental Impact
30,403
Number of average New England homes powered.
A Certified B Corp
The team at Encore Renewable Energy® is proud to be certified as a B Corp, joining over 3,500 other businesses worldwide who also share a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
