Resources and Guidance for EECs Complying with MES Reporting Requirements, Upcoming Webinar
As described in the Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook, beginning June 1, 2026, all Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) Approved Vendors (AVs) and Designees will be required to meet the Minimum Equity Standard (MES). During the upcoming reporting window, the Program is requesting data from EECs on their 2026-27 project workforce. For the current 2025-26 Program Year, […]
Stakeholder Feedback Deadline on Draft Program Guidebook and Consumer Protection Documents, Financing Opportunities Webinar, Expedited CDCS Review and Scoring Schedule
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank you!Illinois Shines [email protected]
Expedited Community-Driven Community Solar Application Review and Scoring Schedule for 45-Day Application Window
As previously announced, as a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day CDCS application window from January 16, 2026, to March 2, 2026. Any project submitted during the 45-day window that qualifies for the waitlist will be placed behind projects submitted during the initial 90-day application window, regardless of […]
Financing Opportunities Webinar – April 9, 2026
In response to stakeholder interest in resources and opportunities for project financing, the Illinois Shines Program Administrator will host a Financing Opportunities webinar on Thursday, April 9, 2026, between 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CPT. This webinar will include presentations from Illinois Shines partner organizations, including the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), National Laboratory of […]
Case Study: How Pontiac, IL Converted 42 Acres into a Productive Agrivoltaics Community Solar Project Through Illinois Shines
The Program’s newest case study spotlights Walldog Solar, a Traditional Community Solar project in Pontiac, Illinois, that’s using agrivoltaics and a pollinator-friendly habitat to deliver clean solar power, while ensuring that the land can return to 100% agricultural production at the end of this project’s lifecycle. In addition to generating renewable energy, the project is increasing local […]
Application Tips & Tricks – Distributed Generation Project Application Checklist
To avoid common errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in Part I and Part II for Distributed Generation project applications, the Program provides a DG Project Application Checklist to assist stakeholders. Please see the current Program Guidebook for full application requirements. Stakeholders needing assistance or who have questions are encouraged to visit the Program website to access help guides and/or contact the Program Administrator.
Illinois Shines Honors Graduating Mentees of 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort
As previously announced, the Illinois Shines 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort concluded March 5, 2026, with an in-person graduation event for 16 mentees at Hire360 in Chicago. The event capped an eight-week Mentorship Program, from January to March, during which mentees completed virtual training courses and participated in live, interactive sessions with experienced AV mentors and the Program […]
45-Day CDCS Window Application Review and Scoring
As previously announced, as a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day CDCS application window from January 16, 2026, to March 2, 2026. Any project submitted during the 45-day window that qualifies for the waitlist will be placed behind projects submitted during the initial 90-day application window, regardless of score. A visual timeline was added to the Community-Driven Community Solar page of the Program […]
Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook Feedback Request, Solar Tax Credit Information Sessions, Portal Pause for Interim Capacity Reallocation
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank you!Illinois Shines [email protected]
Proposed Update to Consumer Protection Working Group Meeting Schedule
Dear Consumer Protection Working Group Stakeholders, The Program Administrators and Illinois Power Agency are proposing a change to the cadence of Consumer Protection Working Group meetings. At the inception of the Programs, these meetings were set to run on a monthly cadence. Having monthly meetings allowed for regular feedback from participants on consumer protection-related matters as significant new Consumer Protection initiatives were launched and […]