Community-Driven Community Solar Scores for 45-Day Application Window in Program Year 2025-26
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. To prioritize the selection of projects in the 2025-26 Program Year, the Program expedited the review schedule for applications and has published final scores in accordance […]
Expedited CDCS 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 score. To prioritize the selection of projects in the 2025-26 Program Year, 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 […]
Subscriber Management Portal Feature Action Items, Webinar, and Launch
he CS Subscriber Management Feature for the Program Portal has a planned March 2026 launch. The feature will replace the current manual workbook process in SharePoint and allow for improved subscriber data quality, the centralization of access, and give AVs and Designees the ability to view and manage subscriptions, view unsubscribed Disclosure Forms, and import […]
Reminder: 45-Day CDCS Application Window Closes March 2, 2026
As previously announced, as a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day Community-Driven Community Solar (“CDCS”) application window on January 16, 2026. The application submission deadline for the CDCS 45-day window is this upcoming Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. Applications are not accepted after the close of the 45-day window. Any project that is submitted during […]
Case Study: How Rockford Harnessed the Benefits of Community-Driven Community Solar
The Program’s newest case study spotlights a Community-Driven Community Solar project in Rockford, Illinois, that’s delivering lower energy costs for its residents, community involvement and benefit, and significant economic impact for its labor force. This Illinois Shines case study details how the city’s engaged and resilient community partnered with solar developers to bring a clean […]
Upcoming Webinar: New Community Solar Subscriber Management Portal Feature
In March 2026, the Illinois Shines Program Portal will introduce a new feature designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility by moving Community Solar subscriber data from SharePoint. The feature centralizes subscriber data, standardizes reporting, enhances accuracy, and allows for self-service access, real-time updates, and subscription history tracking. The Program will host a live webinar on February 26, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. […]
Subscription Management Portal Feature
The Program Administrator continues development of the Community Solar Subscription Management Feature for the Program Portal, which is slated for a March 2026 launch. This new feature will replace the current manual workbook process in SharePoint and will allow for improved subscriber data quality and the centralization of access. The new feature will give Approved Vendors […]
45-Day CDCS Application Window Now Open
As a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day Community-Driven Community Solar (“CDCS”) application window today, January 16, 2026. The application submission deadline for the CDCS 45-day window is March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. Applications are not accepted after the close of the 45-day window. Submitted projects […]
45-Day CDCS Application Window Opens January 16
As a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program will open an additional 45-day Community-Driven Community Solar (“CDCS”) application window on January 16, 2026, regardless of capacity availability as of that date. The application submission deadline for the CDCS 45-day window is March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. Applications are not accepted […]