New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in New Lenox Township. The project, located on South Spencer Road, will feature over 12,000 solar panels and includes plans for native pollinator vegetation.
Spencer Road Solar Key Points:
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Location: A 110-acre parcel on South Spencer Road, south of 1100 S. Spencer Road, New Lenox. The solar facility will occupy ~63 acres.
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Scale: Two facilities (2.4 MW and 2.85 MW) comprising 12,029 solar panels on single-axis trackers.
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Pollinator Focus: The board granted variances for plant height (up to 36 inches) and mowing frequency (once per year) to allow for deep-rooted native pollinator plants.
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Community Impact: The Village of New Lenox did not object to the project, subject to screening conditions which were included in the approval.
NEW LENOX – A significant new solar energy development is coming to New Lenox Township following a unanimous 22-0 vote by the Will County Board on Thursday.
The project, developed by Nexamp Solar under the names “Spencer Road Solar East” and “Spencer Road Solar West,” will transform agricultural land into a solar farm capable of generating over 5 megawatts of power.
A key feature of this development is its designation as a “pollinator-friendly” site. To support this, the Board approved two specific variances: allowing ground cover plants to grow up to 36 inches (ordinance limit is 13 inches) and reducing the required mowing frequency to once per year.
“Native pollinators are typically plants that have deep root systems that recharge the agricultural soils… and are natural weed prevention,” County Land Use staff noted in their report.
While three objectors raised concerns about wildlife disruption and aesthetics during the public hearing process, the project received a letter of non-objection from the Village of New Lenox, provided that landscape screening is installed along the western fence line. The project will also feature an 8-foot “fixed knot” farm fence rather than chain link, a requirement intended to be more wildlife-friendly.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County also weighed in, encouraging the developer to select native species that support the local ecosystem. The project is expected to bring 20 to 25 construction jobs to the area.
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