Backed by Illinois energy legislationBattery energy storage is supported by Illinois state energy legislation
Counties / Whiteside County
Battery Storage Leases in Whiteside County
Whiteside County in northwestern Illinois offers solid grid infrastructure along the Rock River with the Garden Plain substation hosting 665 MW of queued battery projects — among the highest in the region.
Estimated Annual Lease
$40,000
5 MW project (~0.5 acres)
Substations
3
With available capacity
vs Farm Rent
302x
$265/acre avg farm rent
Earnings by project size
Battery storage developers pay per megawatt of installed capacity. Here's what Whiteside County landowners could earn:
| Project Size | Annual Lease | Land Needed | vs Farm Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MW | $16,000/yr | ~0.2 acres | 302x more |
| 5 MW | $40,000/yr | ~0.5 acres | 302x more |
| 10 MW | $80,000/yr | ~1 acres | 302x more |
| 20 MW | $160,000/yr | ~2 acres | 302x more |
Grid infrastructure in Whiteside County
Whiteside County has 3 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 Whiteside County landowners
How much can I earn from a battery storage lease in Whiteside County?
Based on current industry rates, Whiteside 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 Whiteside County is $265/acre/year (USDA NASS 2024).
Does my land in Whiteside County qualify?
Whiteside County is in the ComEd service territory with 3 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 Whiteside County
Explore battery storage opportunities near specific towns in Whiteside County:
Resources for Whiteside County landowners
Own land in Whiteside County?
Find out if your property qualifies for a battery storage lease. Free assessment, no obligation.