Officials report that a proposed solar array in southern Illinois could become the largest-ever created in the state and more than double Illinois’ current solar energy output. The Wabash Valley Power energy co-op announced that they signed a long-term agreement to become the lone solar power provider, after agreeing with a deal from the Prairie State Solar Project’s Perry County array. Ranger Power, who is a New York-based solar development company, plans to build the array on private property. Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin in 2019, with operations starting in 2021. Officials say that the array will generate enough energy to power an estimated 15,000 homes. The project is also estimated to bring in nearly $100-million in new investment to the southwestern Illinois area and contribute to tax revenues. Roughly 200 jobs will also be created during the construction of the facility.