DeLuca Effort to Develop Solar Regulations to Protect Homeowners Moves Forward

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Representing the voice of homeowners concerned about the effects of sprawling commercial solar farm developments, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, passed a plan out of a House committee Tuesday that would institute minimum 500-foot setbacks between homes and solar properties.

DeLuca will hold the proposal from a full House vote while negotiations continue on the subject.

“As we continue to negotiate, this action moves the topic forward as we look to address a number of concerns on a complex issue,” DeLuca said. “It’s critical that homeowners have a seat at the table, are listened to and have their interests appropriately represented.”

DeLuca’s House Bill 4135 updates existing solar zoning law and would authorize counties to increase the setback distance for solar energy projects to 500 feet universally, updating current practice that caps setback restrictions at either 50 or 150 feet, depending on the property. The measure is designed for large-scale commercial solar developments, not individual homeowner solar panel use.

“The recent influx of solar developments has underscored the need to install responsible regulations that respect communities,” DeLuca said. “I look forward to continued discussions on this topic in the days and weeks ahead.”

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.

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