Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays

Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County’s Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies.

The extensions cover projects in Peotone, Channahon, and Crete townships that received special use permits in 2023 but haven’t yet obtained building permits. Under county rules, special use permits expire within two years unless construction permits are issued.

A Peotone Township solar project by Turning Point Energy received its extension after experiencing delays with updated conservation plans and changing fire district requirements. Joseph Chessup, representing the developer, said soil and water conservation standards were updated last year, requiring them to restart their conservation planning process.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District also changed safety standards as recently as May 20, requiring wider access roads and higher weight capacity to accommodate 80,000-pound fire equipment.

“There’s been a few unexpected delays with getting the permits finalized for this project,” Chessup said.

Staff also provided an update on solar interconnection requirements after meeting with ComEd officials. The utility company clarified that they don’t require above-ground power connections for solar projects, contrary to claims made by some developers.

ComEd uses a five-step process taking about 180 days for interconnection agreements. While they typically install four riser poles for connections, they can accommodate underground lines for 12KV systems, though 34KV lines remain economically impractical to bury.

The committee expressed interest in requiring more underground infrastructure for future solar projects to preserve rural aesthetics. “I would like to see us have them put it underground as much as they possibly can,” said Committee member Judy Ogala.