Arevon Energy, a major U.S. developer and operator of renewable energy assets, officially broke ground on its 124 MWdc Big Muddy Solar Project in Jackson County. The event, held on November 18, marked the start of construction on what the company describes as a flagship investment in Illinois — nearly $200 million in private capital.
When completed by the end of 2026, the plant is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 24,000 average U.S. homes, according to Arevon. The company says the site’s output will be sold under a long-term virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with a major American technology company, securing financial stability for the project.
Local Economics and Jobs
Construction of Big Muddy Solar is being managed by Signal Energy, and will involve over 250 workers, drawing from local labor unions including IBEW Local 702, IUOE Local 318, and LiUNA Local 773. Beyond the immediate construction employment, Arevon projects more than $12.6 million in property tax revenue over the life of the project, supporting schools, public safety, and infrastructure in Jackson County.
Community leaders welcomed the investment. Jackson County Board Chairman C.J. Calandro called it a “long-term partnership,” emphasizing that the project could help stabilize local school districts and support county growth. Meanwhile, the Jackson Growth Alliance highlighted how reliable local power supply could boost the county’s appeal to future businesses.
Environmental Design and Stewardship
Arevon has prioritized environmental stewardship in the solar plant’s design. A pollinator habitat will be developed beneath and around the solar panel arrays, with native plant species that promote soil health and biodiversity. The company says this is not just a cosmetic “green” feature, but an integrated part of how they plan to manage the land long term.
Community Engagement
During the groundbreaking event, local and company leaders, landowners, and community stakeholders came together for speeches and remarks. Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon, pledged that the company would remain an active presence in Jackson County, focusing on community investment in education, food security, housing, and public safety.
Arevon has already established partnerships with a host of regional institutions, including Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s STEM Education Research Center, local fire and emergency services, youth organizations, and food assistance providers. According to Arevon, the project’s impact will extend well beyond energy generation.
Big Muddy Solar is part of Arevon’s broader Midwest expansion. The company has recently brought other large-scale solar projects online in Indiana and is building Kelso Solar Project ,a 430 MWdc facility in Missouri. Arevon says this regional pipeline underscores its commitment to delivering renewable energy while reinforcing local economies in the Midwest.
Big Muddy Solar Project — Factsheet
Project Name: Big Muddy Solar
Developer: Arevon Energy, Inc.
Location: Jackson County, near Murphysboro, Illinois
Capacity: 124 MWdc
Total Investment: Approximately $200 million in private capital
Project Status:
Construction officially began on November 18, 2025
Expected Completion: End of 2026
Power Offtaker: Long-term Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with a major U.S. technology company
Construction Contractor (EPC): Signal Energy
Jobs Created: More than 250 construction jobs, with participation from local labor unions
Projected Tax Contribution: More than $12.6 million in local property tax revenue over the project’s lifetime
Key Environmental Feature: Pollinator-friendly habitat planted beneath and around solar arrays
Community Partnerships:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale STEM Education Research Center
Local school foundations
Fire and EMS departments
Food security and housing support organizations
Local youth development groups
Regional Strategy: Part of Arevon’s expanding clean-energy development portfolio across the Midwest
