Fall 2026 AV and EEC Roundtables
The Program Administrator is excited to announce the next round of Illinois Shines AV and EEC Roundtables. The Roundtables provide an opportunity for participants to share program feedback and offer insights on market challenges and conditions. Roundtable participants will connect with other AVs and EECs, Illinois Shines Sector Strategists, and other Program Administrator team members. […]
Upcoming EAS Learning Series Webinar
Earlier this year, the Program Administrator and the IPA DEI Team launched the Illinois Shines Equity Accountability System (EAS) Learning Series, to highlight the importance of equity in the clean energy economy, and within the program, and to equip vendors with resources and support to meet and exceed Program equity requirements. The next webinar in […]
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 […]
New Solar for Schools Webpage
Illinois Shines launched a new webpage designed to help public school administrators, facilities staff, and district leaders better understand how solar projects can reduce long-term energy costs, and support sustainability goals and student learning. The webpage outlines key considerations, sector-specific resources, and a step-by-step guide for exploring on-site solar or Community Solar subscriptions for public […]
180-Day Prioritization Window for Public Schools Subcategories Closed
As stated in the Program Guidebook Section 1.E, Public Schools capacity is allocated by Group, Tier, location, and project size subcategories. If any of the allocations are not filled within the first 180 days of the Program Year, Public School projects will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis regardless of Tier, Environmental […]
Reminder of December 17 Elective Pay Webinar
Elective Pay is a new mechanism that allows tax-exempt entities – such as local government offices, public schools, nonprofits, or houses of worship – who have installed or plan to install a clean energy project to file a tax return and receive a reimbursement for a portion (often at least 30%) of their project costs, even […]
Updated Public School AV Roundtable Meeting Date
The Fall 2025 Public Schools AV Roundtable has been rescheduled to December 8, 2025. A new invitation will be sent to AVs who previously expressed interest. Other AVs interested in attending are encouraged to contact [email protected].
180-Day Prioritization Window for Public Schools Subcategories
As stated in the Program Guidebook Section 1.E, Public Schools capacity is allocated by Group, tier, location, and project size subcategories. If any of the allocations are not filled within the first 180 days of the Program Year, Public School projects will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis regardless of Tier, Environmental Justice Community […]
Updated Public School AV Roundtable Meeting Date
The Fall 2025 Public Schools AV Roundtable has been rescheduled to December 8, 2025. A new invitation will be sent to AVs who previously expressed interest. Other AVs interested in attending are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Program Year 2025-26 Public Schools Outreach Action Plan Published
Through the enactment of CEJA, a Public Schools category was added to the Illinois Shines program in 2021. Since its addition to the Program, the category has seen fewer project submissions than anticipated, leaving leftover capacity. Though more than 90 projects by public schools have been developed through Illinois Shines, many of them have been submitted in project […]