Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / McLean County
Battery Storage Leases in McLean County
McLean County, home to Bloomington-Normal, has 550 MW of battery projects queued at the McLean 345 kV substation alone. Multiple connection points with available capacity make it a prime target for battery storage development.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
10
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
262x
$305/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what McLean County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 262x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 262x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 262x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 262x more |
Grid infrastructure in McLean County
McLean 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 McLean County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in McLean County?
Based on current industry rates, McLean 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 McLean County is $305/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in McLean County qualify?
McLean 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 McLean County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in McLean County:
Resources for McLean County landowners
Own land in McLean County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.