Grayslake Gets Nod For Solar Power Efforts

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Grayslake has received a bronze designation from SolSmart, which is a national designation program recognizing cities, counties, and regional organizations that make it easier for businesses and residents to utilize solar energy.

Since the program launched in 2016, more than 380 cities, counties, and regional organizations in 41 states achieved SolSmart designation.

Since 2019, the village of Grayslake has permitted 73 solar panel installations in town, Brett Kryska, assistant village manager, told Patch. On Tuesday, the village board will vote on the town's 74th project — a special use permit to allow Chase Bank, at 975 E. Belvidere Road, to install a roof-mounted solar power system.

Among the reasons SolSmart granted Grayslake a bronze designation include the village's effort to create an online permitting checklist, which was meant to increase the transparency for community members and solar installers; and reviewing local zoning codes and identifying restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development, according to the SolSmart website.

Illinois leads the nation with 45 SolSmart designees. Here is a look at the other designees in Lake County:

• Gold designees: Waukegan and Beach Park
• Silver designees: Lake County, Hawthorn Woods and Deer Park
• Bronze designees: Lake Forest, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach and Libertyville