IPA Launches Phase II of the Solar Restitution Program and Expands Program Caps
On June 1, 2026, the IPA and Program Administrator launched Phase II of the Solar Restitution Program (SRP). The IPA launched Phase I of the SRP on May 6, 2025. Under Phase I, customers are eligible to receive restitution if they were promised a pass-through of the Illinois Shines REC payment by their AV, but […]
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 […]
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 […]