Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / DeKalb County
Battery Storage Leases in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has some of the highest farm cash rents in Illinois, but battery storage leases offer dramatically higher returns per acre. With 372 MW of battery projects queued at local substations, developer interest is strong.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
11
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
258x
$310/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what DeKalb County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 258x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 258x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 258x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 258x more |
Grid infrastructure in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has 11 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 DeKalb County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in DeKalb County?
Based on current industry rates, DeKalb 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 DeKalb County is $310/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in DeKalb County qualify?
DeKalb County is in the ComEd service territory with 11 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 DeKalb County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in DeKalb County:
Resources for DeKalb County landowners
Own land in DeKalb County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.