Peotone Set to Receive $100,000 Donation from Regional Solar Project

Village of Peotone Meeting | December 15, 2025

Article Summary:

Mayor Chris Vieaux announced that the Village of Peotone will receive a $100,000 voluntary donation from a new solar development located just outside village limits. The mayor has recommended that the funds be dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the historic Peotone Windmill.

ESP Solar Project Key Points:

• The 2MW AC solar project is located northeast of the village near Eagle Lake Road and Egyptian Trail.

• ESP Solar LLC will pay the $100,000 in two installments: 50% at financial close and 50% at the start of operations.

• The donation is voluntary, as the project is located within the village’s planning area but outside its corporate boundaries.

Mayor Chris Vieaux on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, announced a significant windfall for the community following a donation agreement with ESP Solar LLC.

Vieaux informed the board that the village had been in discussions with the family-owned solar firm regarding a 2-megawatt project situated northeast of town. Although the development is located in Will County and outside Peotone’s official boundaries, it falls within the village’s general planning area.

“The big news is they are going to give the Village of Peotone $100,000,” Mayor Vieaux announced. “Nick [Palmer] and I had discussed this for a while, and I strongly recommend putting this donation toward the windmill.”

The donation will be paid in two $50,000 increments. The first is expected at the project’s financial closing, and the second when operations officially begin.

The board seemed surprised by the mayor’s recommendation to use the funds for the historic windmill, which remains a central landmark for the village. Detailed planning for the allocation of the funds will take place during the fiscal year 2027 budget sessions. ESP Solar LLC, an Illinois-based developer, was the first project approved by Will County under its updated May 2025 solar guidelines.