Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / Boone County
Battery Storage Leases in Boone County
Boone County, just north of DeKalb, is seeing growing interconnection activity with 350 MW of battery projects in the PJM queue at nearby Garden Prairie. Its agricultural land and proximity to the Rockford metro grid make it an emerging target for battery storage development.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
2
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 Boone 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 Boone County
Boone County has 2 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 Boone County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in Boone County?
Based on current industry rates, Boone 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 Boone County is $260/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in Boone County qualify?
Boone County is in the ComEd service territory with 2 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 Boone County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in Boone County:
Resources for Boone County landowners
Own land in Boone County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.