NOVI Energy has completed development of a 1,150 acre, approximately 175 MWAC solar PV facility in Illinois.

The project site is just outside the town of Liberty in Adams County. It is currently timbered and farmed for various crops. The site has been acquired under a long- term lease agreement for solar electricity power generation with multiple landowners. All environmental and local permitting has been completed to construct and operate this project.

The selected technology is bi- facial solar modules with high efficiency PV cells that are optimized for utility scale solar photovoltaic projects. Central inverters will minimize operations and maintenance, and improve efficiency of the overall plant. We will use single- axis tracking systems that have been optimized for use with bi- facial panels to deliver high capacity factors without stretching the inverter ratio of the system.

The generated power will be stepped up to interconnect with Ameren’s 138 kV transmission system that traverses the site. For this interconnection, NOVI filed the interconnection application to join the process with MISO (Queue Position J2258). The Generator Interconnection Agreement is expected in early 2026.

For this development, the NOVI team has initiated environmental studies. This include a wetlands delineation, a threatened and endangered species review, and a cultural, archaeological, and historical review of the entire site. A topographical study was also completed.

Gem City Solar was sold in 3rd quarter 2026 and is expected to start construction in 2027.