Rundown of Illinois Programs

This is a program offered to nearly anyone (income-eligible homeowners, renter, non-profit organizations, and public facilities) that gives a rebate to cover upfront costs for solar installation or subscription. In addition to the rebate, program participants may save an average of $1,000/yr on energy while contributing to a clean energy future.

REA focuses on commercial development and may not be aware of all residentially available incentives.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is an outcome of the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that allows businesses to deduct 30% (although there are adders to increase up to 60%) of solar panel system costs. This is a rebate on federal taxes and a substantial incentive for larger solar projects.

In some cases, a business may not be able to fully utilize the ITC. Renewable Energy Advisors has a network of businesses who are interested in acquiring the tax credits in exchange for cash to pay down development costs in a sooner cycle than waiting for tax contributions.

REA focuses on commercial development and may not be aware of all residentially available incentives.

As with most states, Illinois provides a net-metering solution. This is a remote option allowing residential and commercial customers generating electricity from solar power to sell excess electricity to the grid at an agreed rate. This grid contribution ‘nets’ out to offset energy billed from the grid (when solar panels are underperforming) and reducing utility bills in real-time.

REA focuses on commercial development and may not be aware of all residentially available incentives.

Illinois uses the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to support the S.H.I.N.E.S. program. SCRECs are sold on an open market to organizations looking to offset their carbon footprint. The project owner sells credits to the utility company to support the utility in meeting state-issued renewable energy targets.

S.H.I.N.E.S. accepts current and future sites into eligibility. System owners receive 80% of the annual SRECs at energization with the remainder contributed over 15 years per 1mWh produced. Specific credit value varies based on timing, size, output, region, and energization year.

Ameren and ComEd, the largest utility providers in Illinois, offer individual rebates in addition to the federal and state savings. Ameren serves most of Illinois south of I-80.

There are six consumer categories split into two buckets.

Residential Customers (D-1) and Small Commercial Customers (DS-2) are offered a rebate to interconnect a renewable generator (solar panels) or battery to the grid at $300/kW-DC using a smart inverter. This is eligible to current and future projects. Additional requirements apply, let us help you learn if you are eligible.

Large Commercial and Industrial Customers (DS-3, DS-4, DS-6) can connect their smart inverter to a renewable generator (solar panels) or battery at $250/KW-DC. This is eligible to current and future projects.
Small Commercial Customers (DS-2)

Ameren and ComEd, the largest utility providers in Illinois, offer individual rebates in addition to the federal and state savings. ComEd serves Illinois north of I-80.

ComEd offers any renewable energy generation the opportunity to sell Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to the utility to support Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standards.

Residential contributors receive the REC value of 15 years’ production at a rate of 7.1 cents/kWh produced within the first year, although this rate is subject to change and variability.

Commercial contributors receive the REC value of 15 years’ production at a rate agreed to time of eligibility awarded and paid over five years.

Distributed Generation (DG) Rebate up to $300/kW for a private solar energy system and/or an additional rebate for installing storage/batteries in conjunction with renewable generation.