Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / Lee County
Battery Storage Leases in Lee County
Lee County hosts the Nelson-Electric Junction — the single largest battery interconnection point in the ComEd territory with 1,160 MW of queued projects. Its agricultural landscape in the Rock River valley offers excellent sites for battery storage.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
10
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
281x
$285/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what Lee County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 281x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 281x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 281x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 281x more |
Grid infrastructure in Lee County
Lee County has 10 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 Lee County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in Lee County?
Based on current industry rates, Lee 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 Lee County is $285/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in Lee County qualify?
Lee County is in the ComEd service territory with 10 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 Lee County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in Lee County:
Resources for Lee County landowners
Own land in Lee County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.