EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) — Sixty acres of open farmland have been in Dan Westfall's family for generations. Now, he — along with other families across Effingham County — says they are fighting to protect that land from what could become the county's first large-scale solar farm.
"We use this land for our work. We use it for more than just our work. It's our livelihood," said farmer Dan Westfall.
Residents shared that they first learned about the project after receiving letters from developer Nexamp. Westfall said the company offered him money to lease part of his property for the project, but he said he is not interested.
"I've got 20.4 acres prime for them. They're offering me $8,000 an acre per year. That's millions of dollars. I could not farm that. No one can farm that and make that kind of money off it," Westfall said.
The proposed solar farm would cover about 16 acres and would be located nearly two miles from Westfall's property. Other neighbors said it would be much closer to their homes.
Dozens of residents packed a meeting last week to voice their opposition.
They raised concerns about property values, health impacts and potentially higher energy bills.
"A lot of people have invested and built some really nice homes over in the area where these solar panels are going in, and their property value is going to decline," Westfall said.
Residents also said Nexamp's letters promised the project would not create noise or dust. One letter stated that the company's goal is to be respectful of neighboring properties.
A promise some residents say they are finding hard to believe.
The Effingham County Wind and Solar Farm Committee will host a meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the third-floor boardroom of the county building.
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