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📰 Market & Development News

Illinois

Zoning Board Reviews Special Use Permit for Commercial Solar Energy Facility in Collinsville
Developer: Armoracia Solar, LLC
AHJ: Madison County
January 28, 2025: The Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing a special use permit request from Armoracia Solar, LLC to develop a commercial solar energy facility in Collinsville. The project will cover approximately 15 acres in a residential district with a 5MW capacity. In addition to this request, the Board is also considering amendments to align local zoning ordinances with state standards for agricultural experiences and renewable energy facilities.
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Hendrickson to build a solar farm to power bumper plant
AHJ: Joliet
January 24, 2025: Hendrickson, a Woodridge, Illinois-based global manufacturer of components for trucks and trailers, has announced it is building a solar farm in Joliet, Illinois, to power its bumper plant. The solar farm will produce an estimated 1.58 megawatts annually, the company says. This output is enough to power the entire plant for several years and provide excess electricity back to the grid. The construction of the solar farm is expected to be completed by mid-2025 and fully operational before the end of the year.
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Iowa

Floyd County Supervisors again delay action on commercial solar project moratorium
AHJ: Floyd County
January 27, 2025: The Floyd County Board of Supervisors delayed approving a temporary moratorium on utility-scale solar energy projects in unincorporated areas of the county, with a goal to redesign ordinances to balance solar development and land protection. While all three supervisors support the moratorium, they are debating whether it should include a prohibition on companies applying for solar projects through zoning changes. Supervisor Boyd Campbell raised concerns about the negative impacts of commercial solar projects, mentioning an uptick in community opposition in recent years.
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Will Iowa be a failed solar state, or a renewable powerhouse?
January 25, 2025: Iowa is currently recognized as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in wind power, contributing significantly to the state's economy through job creation and local government revenues. However, the future of solar energy development in Iowa faces challenges due to moratoriums and restrictive ordinances in many counties, which threaten the state's status as a clean energy powerhouse. The support of federal tax credits is crucial for maintaining low electricity rates and encouraging investment in renewable energy projects.
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Maryland

Maryland Legislature Discusses Bills to Protect Farmland From Eminent Domain
January 24, 2025: Two bills in the Maryland Legislature aim to protect farmland from being taken under eminent domain for energy projects. House Bill 81 proposes a 350% premium on the appraisal value of seized agricultural property, while Senate Bill 189 seeks to prohibit eminent domain on preserved farmland. Both bills are a response to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, which would run a transmission line through conserved agricultural land.
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Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed 4.0 MW Solar Facility in Montgomery County
Developer: Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC
AHJ: Montgomery
January 23, 2025: A public hearing is set for February 4, 2025, regarding a proposed 4.0 MW solar facility by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC in Montgomery County. The Maryland Public Service Commission is hosting this hearing at 6:30 p.m. in Beallsville and online to gather community feedback. Written comments can be submitted until February 7.
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Michigan

Kalamazoo-area school battery storage project paused amid resident concerns
AHJ: Comstock Township
January 24, 2025: Comstock Township has put a halt on new renewable energy facilities, including solar and battery projects, due to safety concerns raised by local residents. The township board enacted a moratorium that prevents large-scale energy project proposals until December 31 of the current year.
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Battery storage requirements recommended for Fabius solar ordinance
Developer: EDP Renewables
AHJ: Fabius Township
January 23, 2025: The Fabius Township Planning Commission is considering an ordinance amendment to permit battery storage systems in conjunction with solar energy projects. This change would support an upcoming project by EDP Renewables. The proposed amendment requires battery systems to meet specific safety and installation standards. Concerns regarding emergency response plans for potential battery fires were voiced.
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Green Charter Township adopts wind and solar energy ordinances
AHJ: Green Charter Township
January 23, 2025: The Green Charter Township board has adopted new ordinances governing the regulation of wind and solar energy, as well as energy storage systems. These measures were deemed necessary to protect the community against the state assuming local control over these developments. The new solar ordinance differentiates between small-scale and utility-scale systems, providing guidelines for installation, maintenance, and aesthetic impacts. Energy storage facilities also have defined requirements to minimize their environmental impact and ensure public safety.
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Ohio

Hundreds attend public hearing on proposed solar project in Fairfield County
Developer: EDF Renewables
AHJ: Fairfield County
January 27, 2025: The Ohio Power Siting Board held a public hearing in Fairfield County regarding the proposed Eastern Cottontail Solar Project, which would cover nearly 900 acres of land in Walnut Township. Supporters argue the project will create jobs and generate revenue for local schools, while opponent express concerns about its impact on prime farmland and flooding risks. Over 70 people spoke at the meeting, with more testimonies scheduled for the 28th.
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Clermont County Planning Commission Meeting Discussion on Solar and Renewable Energy
January 27, 2025: The Clermont County Planning Commission is set to meet on January 28, 2025 at 5:00pm, where they will discuss Senate Bill 52, which grants veto powers to local governments on 50MW+ projects and shapes how solar and wind projects are regulated within the county's zoning framework. The commission is committed to integrating public involvement in planning discussions, ensuring community voices are heard in the decision-making process regarding renewable energy regulations.
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Farm Bureau members concerned about farmland being displaced by green energy
January 25, 2025: At the American Farm Bureau's annual convention in San Antonio, Ohio Farm Bureau president Bill Patterson raised concerns about green energy projects, like solar and wind, taking up farmland. He emphasized the need to find a balance between meeting the nation's energy and food needs, urging better valuation of farmland when subsidizing such projects.
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Ohio groups lay out policy strategies for 136th General Assembly
January 27, 2025: A conservative think tank in Ohio said that, among other things, one of its key targets in this year’s General Assembly was removing state support for clean energy, citing grid reliability concerns.
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Two small solar farms in Fayette Co. proposed
Developer: Yarotek, LLC
AHJ: Fayette County
January 27, 2025: Two small solar farms are proposed in Fayette County, with Yarotek LLC planning to develop in Marion and Union Townships. Yarotek signed lease agreements in 2022 and filed zoning applications in 2022. After Ohio's House Bill 501 gave counties authority to regulate small solar facilities, the Fayette County Commissioners enacted a moratorium on large solar farms but allowed these projects to proceed since they are under 50 megawatts. The zoning process is ongoing, with construction expected to begin in 2026, pending approval.
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Wisconsin (new)

Appeals Court Rules Against Third-Party Solar
January 27, 2025: A Wisconsin appeals court ruling has put an end to a legal battle over third-party-owned solar, dismissing a case involving a family that sought to install panels owned by a solar company. Advocates had hoped the court would clarify whether existing laws allow such arrangements, which make solar more affordable without upfront costs. However, the case was dismissed after the family moved, leaving the question unresolved.
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Environmental Assessment for Viola Solar Project by Stag Moose Solar, LLC
Developer: Stag Moose Solar, LLC
AHJ: Burnett County
January 21, 2025: The Rural Utilities Service announced an environmental assessment for the 2.5MW Viola Solar Project proposed by Stag Moose Solar, LLC. The public is invited to submit questions and comments via email for 14 days following the announcement. Overall, the report suggests that significant environmental impacts are unlikely from the project.
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Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee Discusses Solar Energy Projects and Ordinances
AHJ: Jefferson County
January 26, 2025: The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee held a decision meeting on January 27, 2025, where they discussed various solar projects in review. Additionally, the committee considered an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would regulate solar and battery systems more effectively.
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📋 RFP Opportunities

Illinois

• Illinois Power Agency Spring 2025 Block Energy and Capacity (BEC) RFP

  • The deadline to submit comments on draft supplier contracts and draft RFP Rules is 2/14/25.

Iowa

• Iowa Department of Public Defense Microgrid

  • The Department of Public Defense, on behalf of the Iowa National Guard, is seeking professional design services to construct a 2.5 MW microgrid at Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA

  • Proposals due 2/9/25.

Michigan

• MPSC posts request for proposals for nearly $5M in renewable energy and electrification grants

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced a $4.875 million grant program to fund renewable energy and electrification infrastructure projects. The RFP, open to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities, aims to support the planning, development, and construction of such projects in Michigan. Proposals are due by March 20, 2025, with two inquiry deadlines for clarification: February 10 and 24, 2025.

Wisconsin (new)

• Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Utilities Issues RFP Seeking Solar Energy Proposals

  • Wisconsin utility Great Lakes Utilities has issued an RFP seeking the addition of community-sited, behind-the-meter solar installations. The locations will total 30MW of capacity in aggregate and will be constructed between 2026-2028. Locations should be designed to allow for the integration of battery storage concurrently or in the future. GLU is requesting pricing as a build-transfer agreement and/or PPA.

• Wisconsin Solar for All

  • WSFA project funding is “expected to begin in 2025”. The program is utilizing a $62.5 million grant from the US EPA.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Iowa

• HB 81- Community Solar

  • Establishes a community solar program for the state and sets out potential regulations and definitions.

  • House Commerce Subcommittee recommended passage after 1/27/25 review.

Illinois

• HR0068- WAREHOUSE SOLAR PANELS

  • Resolution to urge warehouse owners to install rooftop solar panels on their properties and take advantage of any applicable incentives to expedite the process.

  • Democrat sponsored.

  • Filed in House 1/27/25.

• HB1548- BUY NORTH AMERICA

  • Would prohibit any Illinois ratepayer funds from being used by the Illinois Power Agency for the procurement of solar panels that are not manufactured or assembled by a company located in North America.

  • Republican sponsored.

  • Filed in the House 1/21/25.

Maryland

• HB0742- Solar Energy Generating Systems- Eminent Domain

  • Prohibits a person constructing a solar energy generating station from exercising a right of condemnation in connection with that construction.

  • Republican sponsored.

  • Introduced in the House 1/27/25.

  • Note- two other bills are being discussed in the Legislature related to government condemnation/eminent domain. HB0081 would require condemned agricultural property to be valued at 350% of its highest appraisal value, while SB0189/HB0631 would prohibit the use of eminent domain on preserved farmland. These bills were discussed in their respective committees earlier this month and no decisions have been reached.

Pennsylvania

• HB114/SB187- ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT ENERGY OFFICE

  • Establishes an Independent Energy Office “with a mission of promoting affordable, reliable energy within the Commonwealth”. Would give the Office the power to reverse or block agency actions found to negatively impact energy reliability and affordability.

  • Republican sponsored.

  • Sister bill introduced in state Senate 1/27/25.

Wisconsin (new)

• SB3- Local Approval for Renewables

  • Would require local approval from every AHJ in which a solar or wind facility is located before state PSC approval can be granted. Would apply to any project over 15MW in capacity.

  • Republican sponsored.

  • Introduced 1/24/25, referred to Committee on Utilities and Tourism.

  • Note- an identical bill was introduced and referred in the Senate last year, but failed to obtain a committee hearing.

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