December 10, 2025
An Illinois court has dismissed a lawsuit involving a large-scale solar energy project in Grundy County.
The Grundy County Circuit Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the City of Morris regarding a project developed by ECA solar energy. The lawsuit sought to halt the company’s planned solar energy development outside the city limits.
“We thank the courts for making the right decision,” said Todd Fryatt, CEO of ECA Solar. “This ruling allows us to move forward with confidence as we continue to develop a project that will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits for the community. We look forward to working constructively with the council and the wider community to ensure this project reflects shared values, increases local opportunities and supports a sustainable energy future for the region.”
Lawsuit attempts to block project
Earlier this year, the city of Morris filed suit against Grundy County, a private landowner, and an affiliate of ECA Solar, Gore Road Community Energy Initiative. This decisive ruling confirms the legality of the project and paves the way for further progress in delivering clean, reliable energy to the region.
ECA Solar looks forward to continued engagement with stakeholders throughout the development process and remains committed to transparent communication as the project progresses.
On November 24 Solar builder reported that the Illinois state legislature had clarified solar site regulations, which ECA Solar representatives believed would resolve the aforementioned lawsuits. After the state Legislature passed the Energy Omnibus Bill on Oct. 30, Grundy County and ECA Solar leaders said the new statutory language reaffirmed county authority over the siting of solar projects in unincorporated Morris.
The lawsuit sought to block the project, despite it being outside the city’s jurisdiction and having already been approved for a special use permit through Grundy County’s zoning process. Grundy County State’s Attorney Russ Baker explained that the county followed established procedures in reviewing the proposed project.
“While we respect the city of Morris’ position, we were surprised that Morris decided to file a lawsuit,” Baker said. “The proposed solar energy development is located outside the city limits and within the jurisdiction of Grundy County, and the county approval process was conducted legally and in accordance with all applicable zoning and procedural requirements.”
State law clarifies jurisdiction
The Energy Omnibus Bill, which Governor JB Pritzker has indicated he will sign, amends the Illinois Counties Code to specify that counties may regulate the siting of commercial solar energy facilities in unincorporated areas outside the jurisdiction of municipal zoning districts.
“In our view, this new statute helps clarify the framework for solar sites in Illinois,” Fryatt said. “We believe it supports our long-standing position on jurisdictional boundaries regarding this project, and we look forward to continuing to work with state and local partners.”
Keywords: ECA Solar, Illinois
