Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy developers. The new operators, Nautilus Solar and Madison Energy Infrastructure, now have until 2026 to begin construction as they work to secure final permits.
Solar Project Sales Key Points:
-
Projects Involved: Five separate solar farms in Peotone, Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships received 180-day extensions.
-
New Developers: Two projects were sold to Nautilus Solar, and three were sold to Madison Energy Infrastructure.
-
Action: The extensions give the new owners until February or April 2026 to secure construction permits and lawfully establish the facilities.
-
Status: While required variances for the projects have been established, construction permits submitted by the new developers remain under review by the county.
JOLIET — A pattern of smaller solar energy projects being sold to larger developers has prompted the Will County Board to grant permit extensions for five separate solar farms. The board unanimously approved the first 180-day extensions for the projects, which are now owned by Nautilus Solar and Madison Energy Infrastructure.
According to county memos, the original applicants for all five projects had successfully established required variances related to ground cover and mowing, but the special use permits were nearing their two-year expiration dates. The projects were subsequently sold to the new developers, who have since applied for construction permits that are still under review.
Nautilus Solar acquired two projects:
-
A facility from Aequo Foundation, Inc. on Kennedy Road in Peotone.
-
A facility from Felipe D. Recendez on South Will Center Road in Monee.
Both permits are now valid through April 17, 2026.
Madison Energy Infrastructure acquired three projects:
-
Two facilities from Dart Farms, Inc. in Joliet Township at the northwest and southwest corners of Cherry Hill Road and W. Schweitzer Road/US 52.
-
A facility from The Moeller Trust on Torrence Avenue in Crete.
These permits are now valid through February 13, 2026.
The board’s approval of the extensions provides the new operators additional time to finalize the permitting process and begin construction on the renewable energy facilities.
Monee Events
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025
Will County Saves $5.7 Million in Bond Refinancing, Maintains High Credit Ratings
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Federal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions
Commission Approves Mokena-Area Garage Variance Over Village’s Objection
Will County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
Will County Committee Shapes 2026 Legislative Agendas on Housing, Energy, and Health
Commission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension
Will County Committee Advances Phased Takeover of Central Will Dial-A-Ride Service
