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Local solar developer asks Morton to consider commercial solar canopies
Summary
A local contractor representing multiple businesses asked trustees to explore whether Morton’s code can be amended to allow engineered commercial solar canopies—structures distinct from rooftop panels and residential carports—to help businesses offset energy costs and protect parked vehicles.
Kevin Souder of 360 Electric Heating & Cooling used the public‑comment period to ask trustees to investigate allowing engineered commercial solar canopies in Morton’s commercial districts.
Souder told the board several local businesses, including Lighthouse Automotive and other potential applicants in Morton, have asked about solar canopies that would allow vehicle parking beneath energy‑producing canopies. He said Morton’s current code allows rooftop and ground‑mounted solar but not canopy or carport‑style commercial canopies, and he asked trustees whether the village would consider amending its code to permit commercial‑grade solar canopies.
Souder described the structures as architecturally engineered steel canopies with adequate vertical clearance (staff packet examples referenced front clearance of about 20 feet) that can include lighting and integrated drainage. He said such canopies can protect vehicles from UV and hail while permitting a significant portion of on‑site energy generation and that several projects in other parts of Illinois and the Southwest have had positive results.
Souder also referenced recent state legislation (referred to in the meeting as the Clean Reliable Grid Act) and suggested an approach to code changes that would keep Morton aligned with state rules and help attract private commercial investment and permit revenue. He offered to provide staff with additional materials and to assist businesses interested in working with the village.
No formal zoning change or ordinance was introduced at the meeting; the item was presented as a public comment and a request for the board to consider studying the idea. Trustees asked Souder to leave handouts for staff and indicated they would forward materials to the appropriate staff member.
