Reminder: Small Subscriber Requirement for Community Solar Projects Under 20-Year REC Contracts
For CS projects under 20-Year REC Contracts, if the CS Subscription Mix (small subscriber percentage) is less than 50% as observed on both the first Business Day of June and the first Business Day of December of a Delivery Year, then the percent of Actual Nameplate Capacity that is Subscribed is deemed to be 0% […]
Community Solar Opt-In Batching Starting June 29
Beginning June 29, 2026, CS projects will be able to opt-out of ICC submission for up to four ICC meetings. At the fifth ICC meeting, the AV must opt-in to ICC submission or the project will be automatically and permanently withdrawn. This process is further outlined in Section 5.A of the 2026-27 Program Guidebook. Projects that have already […]
Community Solar Self-Performance REC Adder Guidelines
As previously announced, beginning with Program Year 2026-27, a new $5/REC adder will be applied to the REC price for projects where the EEC AV “self-performs” at least 50% of the engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) or development work, as determined by the IPA or Program Administrator. As established in the 2026 Long-Term Plan, and specified in section […]
New Program Year Updates for Community Solar
With the new Program Year opening on June 1, 2026, the available 2026-27 block capacity allocation was not exceeded for either TCS Group A or B on the first day of the Program Year. As such, all applicant projects that otherwise qualify will be deemed acceptable and qualify for a REC Delivery Contract. Additionally, the 90-day application […]
New! Community Solar Opt-In Batching
CS projects will undergo the new opt-in batching process where projects can opt-out of ICC submission for up to four ICC meetings. At the fifth ICC meeting the AV must opt-in to ICC submission or the project will be automatically and permanently withdrawn. This process is further outlined in Section 5.A of the 2026-27 Program Guidebook. Projects that […]
CDCS 45-Day Application Window Random Selection Event Held
Following the additional 45-day CDCS application window from January 16, 2026, to March 2, 2026, the Program published project scores on April 15, 2026, and on April 29, 2026, held a Random Selection Event to break ties between projects that received the same scores, as those scores would impact project selection or waitlist placement. Projects selected in […]
CDCS 45-Day Application Window Scores Released
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. Following the application window closure and completion of the Application Review, Cure, Scoring, and Scoring Cure periods, Scores were published on April 15, 2026. AVs have until April 21 to submit appeals. The […]
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 […]
Financing Opportunities Webinar Held
As previously announced, the Program Administrator held a webinar on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to provide information on financial resources and financing opportunities, including grant and loan programs, Illinois Shines vendors can pursue. Presenters included Illinois Shines partner organizations HACIA, NLR, CEJJF, and the Ameren Market Development Initiative. A recording of the event and presentation slides are now available; questions and […]
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 […]