solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

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

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.

Manhattan Weather Full forecast →
Today Jun 3
Mostly Sunny
87° 65°

Mostly Sunny

💨 5 to 15 mph 💧 0%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls

Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Bears stadium legislation is stalled after questions arose about a potentially unpopular tax structure and financial...
Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly approves CTE bill

Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly approves CTE bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A bill offering career technical education classes as an alternative to Illinois’ foreign language mandate is headed...
Amended scooter, e-bike bill heads to governor

Amended scooter, e-bike bill heads to governor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly has passed a bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters and other micromobility devices, but...
Property tax-free Bears deal fails to pass

Property tax-free Bears deal fails to pass

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois legislative session has ended with no stadium deal for the Chicago Bears. House Bill 958...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student's alleged killer charged with new felony

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer charged with new felony

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Late Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman’s alleged killer has been charged with possessing a 6-inch shank in...
$55.9 billion budget includes new taxes, 'no property tax relief'

$55.9 billion budget includes new taxes, ‘no property tax relief’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly has voted to approve a record-high budget for fiscal year 2027, with new...
Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools

Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Legislation to ban the use of cell phones by students from bell-to-bell officially passed both chambers in...
Screenshot 2026-05-23 at 7.03.47 PM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 for May 13, 2026

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | May 13, 2026 The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education met Tuesday, May 13, 2026, for a regular meeting that opened with extensive...
Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Top Democrat leaders in the Illinois legislature met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday behind closed doors...
Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban...
Proposed $250 bill could be a boon for drug cartels, experts warn

Proposed $250 bill could be a boon for drug cartels, experts warn

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A proposal to create the largest U.S. currency denomination in more than 50 years could unintentionally benefit drug cartels, money launderers and tax cheats, according...
Iowa voters head to the polls for fierce races

Iowa voters head to the polls for fierce races

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Iowa will head to the polls Tuesday to elect candidates in several high-profile primary races that will be watched across the country. Many...
Screenshot 2026-05-23 at 7.23.02 PM

District 210 Transportation Update Details Fuel Swings, New Bus Safety Technology

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 Transportation Director Andy Rezer told the board on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that fuel...
Speakers object to transgender athletes in girls sports

Speakers object to transgender athletes in girls sports

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square As state track and field championships commenced Friday at Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., protesters set up across the street to take aim at...
Taxpayers group, economist praise Pratt's plan for homelessness in LA

Taxpayers group, economist praise Pratt’s plan for homelessness in LA

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Critics may not care for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s plan to deal with the drug-addicted homeless population, but a taxpayers organization and an...