Enterprise Energy Secures Approval for Battery Storage and Community Solar Projects in Illinois
Lake in the Hills, Illinois — June 4, 2026 — Enterprise Energy LLC, a Midwest-based distributed energy developer, announced the successful local approval of its first standalone battery energy storage project in Illinois, alongside a new 5 megawatt community solar project in Lake in the Hills.
The Lake in the Hills Village Board unanimously approved the project at its public meeting on Thursday, May 28. The project is planned for 9000 Pyott Road, on an approximately 59-acre former quarry site located about one mile south of Lake in the Hills Airport.
The approval represents an important milestone for Enterprise Energy as it expands its Illinois portfolio beyond community solar and into distributed battery energy storage systems. The 20 megawatt-hour battery project is expected to participate in Illinois’ new Virtual Power Plant program, storing energy when it is abundant and releasing electricity when demand is higher. The combination of solar and storage is designed to improve grid flexibility and support more efficient use of locally generated renewable energy.
“This is exactly the kind of site where battery storage and community solar can work well together,” said Eric Pasi, CEO and Co-Founder of Enterprise Energy. “The former quarry provides a well-screened location, the project brings productive use to underutilized land, and the combination of solar and storage helps support a more resilient, affordable, and locally accountable clean energy system.”
Enterprise Energy worked closely with Village staff and fire department officials throughout the review process. As the first battery energy storage project reviewed in Lake in the Hills, the project received detailed consideration around fire safety, thermal runaway risk, site design, equipment spacing, screening, noise, and emergency response procedures.
The battery system is designed with modern safety features, including separated battery units, monitoring systems, automated shutoff capabilities, and fire-response protocols intended to isolate any issue and prevent cascading impacts. As a condition of approval, Enterprise Energy will continue coordinating with fire officials and submit final plans for review and approval.
“We understand that battery storage is still new for many communities, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Evan Carlson, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Enterprise Energy, who presented the project to the Village Board. “Enterprise Energy is employee-owned, we are purchasing and owning the land, and we will remain accountable throughout the life of the project.”
The Lake in the Hills project also highlights the growing role of local governments in shaping the next generation of clean energy infrastructure. Village officials noted that the former quarry site is well suited for solar development and that Lake in the Hills has supported solar projects while maintaining local review and zoning standards.
In addition to the solar array and battery storage system, Enterprise Energy will submit landscape plans to ensure the portions of the project visible from Pyott Road comply with Village screening requirements. The project is expected to break ground next summer, subject to final engineering, utility coordination, and remaining development approvals.
Enterprise Energy’s Illinois work is focused on distributed energy projects that can be integrated into local communities, including community solar, battery storage, and future distributed grid infrastructure. The company is actively developing projects across Illinois and the Midwest to expand access to clean energy, strengthen local grids, and create long-term value for host communities.
About Enterprise Energy
Enterprise Energy LLC is a Midwest-based distributed energy developer headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company develops community solar, battery energy storage, and other distributed energy infrastructure projects with a focus on local accountability, community benefit, and expanding access to clean energy. Enterprise Energy’s projects are designed to support a more resilient, affordable, and inclusive clean energy future.
Media Contact:
Enterprise Energy LLC
Daniel Latu
daniell@enterpriseenergy.com
612-772-2850
enterpriseenergy.com