Northern Sun unveils C&I solar + storage project in Illinois
Northern Sun Energy has built its first project in the Midwest, with a 7.5 MWp fixed-tilt solar array paired with 1,050 kVA of battery storage in Illinois. The system is scheduled for interconnection by the end of December 2025.
The new solar + storage system will provide direct power to Prysmian‘s cable manufacturing plant in Du Quoin, Illinois. The facility, which produces copper medium voltage cable which can be used in renewable energy applications like solar or wind, will draw renewable energy from the system, reducing reliance on the grid and accelerating its transition to more sustainable operations.
Developed in partnership with distributed clean energy developer PowerFlex, the project features a Tesla Megapack 2XL battery storage system and over 10,800 modules. It is one of the region’s few distributed projects that will directly serve a major industrial facility, relieving strain on the local grid and surrounding areas. The project’s community benefits also included the creation of local trade jobs in the Du Quoin area.
“This project marks Northern Sun Energy’s expansion into the MISO market, a major milestone for our team,” said Scott Pfaff, VP of construction operations and managing partner at Northern Sun Energy. “Working on this site with Prysmian and our repeat client, PowerFlex, reflects what we’re here to do, deliver practical, well-engineered clean energy systems that support local industry, help manage grid demand, and build long-term energy resilience.”
Supporting climate goals
This project will support Prysmian’s ambitious climate goals, particularly its commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout its value chain by 2035. It will also enable Prysmian to participate in the state’s Illinois Shines program, an initiative to support clean energy development developed by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The Illinois Shines program will purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which are widely used in energy markets, generated by this solar project.
“As we continue to produce essential cables for electrification and data centers, we are proud to partner with Northern Sun Energy and Powerflex to help produce these products using energy from this new solar array,” said Paul Furtado, COO of Prysmian North America. “The solar farm at our Du Quoin facility will generate 50% of the energy required for production, enabling us to significantly reduce our overall power consumption while making vital improvements to the grid in a more sustainable way.”
