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 […]
New Homeowner Handouts Published: Buying and Selling Homes with Illinois Shines Solar Projects
Consumer protection is a key pillar of Illinois Shines, helping ensure Program participants have the necessary information and safeguards for a positive Program experience. In March, the IPA and its Program Administrators launched the Homeowner Handout series to help educate consumers about the decision to go solar with Illinois Shines and provide resources to help […]
Illinois Power Agency Issues Illinois Shines Program Year 2024-25 End of Year Report
Today, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) issued its Illinois Shines Program Year 2024-25 End of Year Report. Illinois Shines is a state-administered incentive program implemented by the IPA supporting the development of new solar projects through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs, from Distributed Generation and Community Solar projects, with a focus on equity […]
Homeowner Handout: Solar Loan Financing Now Available
In March, the IPA and its Program Administrators launched the Homeowner Handout series to help educate consumers about the decision to go solar and provide resources to help them make informed, confident decisions about going solar with Illinois Shines. The first resource in the series, Selecting a Solar Company: Green and Red Flags is designed to help […]
Illinois Power Agency and Illinois Shines Launch Solar Restitution Program to Support Customers
The Illinois Power Agency and Illinois Shines Program Administrator are excited to announce the launch of the Solar Restitution Program (“SRP”). The SRP, which is designed to provide economic compensation to customers harmed through their participation in Illinois Shines or Illinois Solar for All, was first outlined in the 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan […]
Illinois Shines Program Completes Large-Scale Website Refresh to Improve User Experience
As announced in January, the new Illinois Shines website this Winter undertook its largest refresh since its July 2023 re-launch. Since the 2023 re-launch – a centerpiece of the Program’s brand refresh and transformation of two public websites – the site has continuously added a high volume of resources and information to support consumers, participating solar entities, and […]
Homeowner Handout Series: Helping Consumers Go Solar with Confidence
The Illinois Power Agency prioritizes educating consumers about the decision to go solar and providing resources to increase their knowledge and help protect them against predatory and problematic vendor practices, including misleading marketing, contract confusion, and financial risks. Illinois Shines today launches the Homeowner Handout Series, part of an expanding consumer resource library designed to […]
Illinois Shines Program Announces New Stakeholder Resources, Data Reporting and Website Enhancements
The Illinois Shines program announces the release of resources and materials to enhance the stakeholder experience, including new consumer-oriented collateral, enhancements to the Program website, and the launch of the Illinois Shines Data Report. The materials reflect the Program’s ongoing commitment to educating and supporting consumers and other stakeholders about opportunities and benefits of going […]
Changes to Illinois Net Metering Bill Credits – Update to Project Submission Deadline
Net metering is a billing mechanism whereby customers earn credit for the power their system produces that is sent to the grid for others to utilize. Historically, ComEd, Ameren and MidAmerican have been required to provide customer bill credits for excess energy produced by their residential or small commercial solar system at the full retail […]
Illinois Power Agency Announces Phase I of the Clean Energy Dashboard Website
On October 2, 2024, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) announced the Phase I launch of the Illinois Clean Energy Dashboard (Clean Energy Dashboard or Dashboard website) at cleanenergy.illinois.gov. The Clean Energy Dashboard website, developed by IPA staff, is designed to track the progress and impact of renewable energy development across Illinois. The Dashboard website tracks […]