Castillo Engineering to Design 6 IL Solar Farms

Castillo Engineering Tapped to Design Six Complex Utility-Scale Solar Projects in Illinois In a move that signals continued growth in the American Midwest's renewable energy sector, Castillo Engineering, a leading utility-scale design and engineering firm, has been selected by developer Recon Corporation to provide full-scope engineering services for six new utility-scale solar projects in Illinois. This new portfolio deepens a long-standing partnership between the two firms and marks a significant expansion of Castillo Engineering's footprint in the crucial MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) utility-scale solar market. The projects, located across multiple sites including Manteno, Elburn, and Franklin Grove, are notable not just for their contribution to the state's clean energy goals, but also for the complex engineering challenges they present. Spanning both agricultural and conservation-sensitive land, these developments require a high level of technical precision and innovative design—a core competency that has made Castillo a preferred partner for Recon Corporation. The selection reinforces the trust and reliability built between the two companies as they work to advance solar energy in Illinois and beyond. A Partnership Forged in Technical Excellence The collaboration between Castillo Engineering and Recon Corporation is well-established, with a successful track record of completing over 50 MW of community solar projects together in Illinois under the state's "Illinois Shines" program. This new portfolio of larger, utility-scale projects represents a significant next phase in their partnership. Christopher Castillo, CEO of Castillo Engineering, commented on the continued collaboration, stating, "After collaborating successfully with the Recon team on prior projects, we’re proud to support this next phase of work. Our continued partnership reflects the trust we’ve built and the consistency we bring to complex, multi-site portfolios". This sentiment is echoed by Recon Corporation, who relies on Castillo's expertise to navigate the state's development landscape. "Castillo's ability to deliver quality engineering under tight constraints and diverse site conditions has made them one of our most trusted partners," said Jackson Maxwell, Recon's project manager for the Franklin Grove site. Delivering Full-Scope, Innovative Engineering Solutions Castillo Engineering has been entrusted with a comprehensive suite of civil and electrical engineering services for each of the six projects, acting as the Engineer of Record from design through completion. The firm’s responsibilities are extensive and critical to the success of the portfolio, including: Power system and ampacity studies to ensure grid compatibility and efficiency. Structural calculations and equipment pad design for long-term durability. Detailed PVsyst modeling to accurately forecast energy production. Advanced relay settings for grid protection and reliability. This full-service approach is particularly vital given the unique challenges posed by several of the Illinois sites. At multiple locations, the project designs had to contend with the presence of central gas pipelines, which imposed strict limitations on electrical routing. Castillo's engineers devised optimized and code-compliant layouts that worked within these constraints, allowing only two permitted conduit crossings while preserving the projects' performance. Furthermore, the Franklin Grove site required exceptional environmental sensitivity to protect adjacent wetlands. Castillo’s team developed a creative solution by repositioning customer poles to safeguard the delicate ecosystem while maintaining full compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards. Strategic Growth in a Key Energy Market For Castillo Engineering, this portfolio is a key part of a broader strategy to expand its leadership in the utility-scale solar market within MISO territory. MISO manages the flow of high-voltage electricity across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba, making it one of the most important energy markets in North America. By successfully engineering these challenging projects, Castillo is solidifying its reputation as the go-to firm for complex solar developments in the Midwest. This expansion into utility-scale projects builds upon the firm's robust experience in the community solar sector, where it has already engineered dozens of projects in Illinois for developers like Recon, Summit Ridge Energy, and others. The firm's deep understanding of the regional codes, environmental considerations, and utility requirements makes it an invaluable partner for developers looking to build in the state. Powering Illinois' Clean Energy Future The selection of Castillo Engineering for this six-project portfolio is a significant win for all involved. It allows Recon Corporation to move forward with confidence on a complex set of developments, backed by a proven engineering partner. For Castillo, it represents strategic growth and a reaffirmation of its technical leadership. Most importantly, for the state of Illinois, it means that more clean, renewable energy is on the way, with even challenging sites being transformed into productive solar assets. This partnership demonstrates how technical expertise and strong collaboration are essential drivers in turning ambitious clean energy goals into reality.