Soltage Drops Battery Storage Plans, Secures Extensions for Two Crete Solar Projects
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions
Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission
India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases
Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers
WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement
Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations
Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for October 16, 2025
WATCH: GOP leader calls Pritzker’s accountability commission a ‘political stunt’
Battery storage financials remain in question as lawmakers consider energy omnibus
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker praises credit upgrade; Cook County approves $20M quantum grant
Op-Ed: Main Street businesses, customers would bear brunt of a tax on services
