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

Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”

Will County is making significant headway on several major capital improvement projects, with the new Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) & Support Center in Joliet on an “aggressive schedule” for a...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Board Approves 2026-2031 Transportation Plan Despite Project Opposition

Will County board members approved a contested five-year transportation improvement plan Tuesday after heated debate over a controversial Homer Glen road project that has drawn sustained community opposition. The Will...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Contentious I-3 Rezoning for DuPage Township Storage Yard Narrowly Advances

A proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural to the county's most intensive industrial classification narrowly earned a recommendation for approval from the Will County Planning...
MH VB 7-1

Manhattan modernizes investment policies, check-signing procedures

The Manhattan Village Board approved three separate ordinances and resolutions Tuesday night to update the village's financial management policies and bring them in line with current best practices. The board...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Federal Budget Impact: Will County could face significant funding challenges if federal budget reconciliation measures reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The county health department and social services rely heavily on...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan

Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion

Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns

Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
MH VB 7-1

Village approves street lighting, water line extensions

Manhattan trustees approved two infrastructure improvements during Tuesday's meeting, including new street lighting installation and a water main extension to serve the historic Round Barn renovation project. The board authorized...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...
Meeting Briefs

PZC Briefs: Solar Farm in Crete, Post-Fire Permit for Troy Business, and More

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission handled several other cases during its July 1 meeting, including a new solar farm, a temporary permit for a fire-damaged business, and routine...
Meeting Briefs

In Brief: Capital & IT News

Here are other highlights from the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. Successful Fire Drill at County BuildingThe Will County Office Building held its first full...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Finance Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Bond Refinancing Advances: Finance Committee approved an ordinance authorizing up to $200.8 million in bond refinancing that could save taxpayers more than $716,000. The measure moves to the full County...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Public Works Committee Juliy 1 Meeting Briefs

ROAD CONTRACTS APPROVED Austin Tyler Construction Contract: The committee approved a $691,544 contract with Austin Tyler Construction for resurfacing River Road from East Frontage Road to Prairie Creek Bridge and...