solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Soltage Drops Battery Storage Plans, Secures Extensions for Two Crete Solar Projects

March 4, 2026/
Spread the love

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board granted second extensions to special use permits for two solar energy projects in Crete Township. The developer, Soltage, has removed battery energy storage systems from the plans.

Crete Solar Extensions Key Points:

  • Projects: Crete Cottage Grove Solar 1, LLC and Crete Goodenow Solar 1, LLC.

  • Locations: Northwest corner of Munz Road/South Cottage Grove Ave; Northeast corner of E. Goodenow Road/Dutton Road.

  • Change: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) removed from both projects.

  • Vote: Both extensions passed 16-3.

The Will County Board on Thursday, February 19, 2026, approved second extensions for two commercial solar energy facilities in Crete Township, extending their special use permits through August 2026.

The projects, owned by Soltage, are located at the northwest corner of Munz Road and South Cottage Grove Avenue, and the northeast corner of East Goodenow Road and Dutton Road.

Land Use staff confirmed that while the original approvals included battery energy storage systems (BESS), the applicant has decided not to pursue battery storage at these locations.

“The applicant has decided to not move forward with the battery energy storage system for this site; the special use permit for the BESS is considered null and void,” stated Marguerite Kenny of the Land Use Department in a memo to the board.

Board Member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) sought clarification on the ownership. “Is the current owner for this also Soltage?” she asked. Staff confirmed Soltage is the owner and noted that the original zoning cases were handled by a different applicant before being sold.

The board voted 16-3 to approve both extensions. Voting against the extensions were members Deane-Schlottman, Balich, and Berkowicz.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Disability-rights advocates sue Illinois over physician-assisted suicide law

Disability-rights advocates sue Illinois over physician-assisted suicide law

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A law that is set to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Illinois is being challenged by disability-rights advocates...
'No kings' at $830 million Obama Center opening

‘No kings’ at $830 million Obama Center opening

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former President Barack Obama has opened his presidential center in Chicago by saying the United States was...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate remains more than 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate remains more than 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Thursday that the state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at...
Chicago discards proposed ban on unregulated ‘sweepstakes machines’

Chicago discards proposed ban on unregulated ‘sweepstakes machines’

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council voted down a proposed ban on a type of prevalent gaming machines, which...
Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Taxpayers are expected to fork over at least $50 million for Chicago to own and operate a...
Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

By Esther Wickham | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State financial aid continues to expand within higher education, allowing money to go to eligible illegal immigrant...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to the cabinet-level Illinois...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Board Members Spar Over Wheatland Township Mental Health Grant

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: A $155,000 mental health grant to Wheatland Township drew sharp questioning at the Will County Board Executive Committee...
Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois candidate for Congress says a teen takeover arrived like a storm at a Chicago grocery...
REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New data and reports from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget have shown that if no...

Illinois Quick Hits: Cook County announces $20M in CVI spending

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced $20 million of taxpayer funding for community violence intervention....
Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As voters express growing concern over inflation, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says federal policies are to blame....
Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A social media post by Peoria Public Schools' Director of School Safety is drawing criticism from...
Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford to fill budget gap with reserve funds

Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford to fill budget gap with reserve funds

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Rockford officials are planning to spend reserve funds to close a $9.4 million revenue shortfall. The Rockford...
Feds seek to join case to halt Evanston black ‘reparations’ payments

Feds seek to join case to halt Evanston black ‘reparations’ payments

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Justice Department is jumping into court against the city of Evanston, lending the heft of the federal government to a lawsuit...