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.