Consumer Program Updates
- Consumer Updates, Traditional Community Solar category hub, Vendor Updates
TCS Group A Soft Close Period Concludes; Waitlist and Scoring in Effect
As communicated on July 2, 2026, the annual block of capacity for Traditional Community Solar (TCS) Group A has been filled. Section 1.G of the Program Guidebook provides for a soft close period which allows the block to remain open for seven calendar days or when the next project application
- Consumer Updates
Illinois Shines Enhances Project Look Up Tool
Illinois Shines project applications undergo a multi-step review and approval process to protect customers and confirm systems meet Program requirements. These steps are outlined in the Guide to Going Solar (available in English and Spanish) and are relevant to customers installing a solar project on their property. The Project Look
- Consumer Updates, Vendor Updates
TCS Group A Block Reaches Capacity, Soft Close Period Initiated
The annual block of capacity for the Traditional Community Solar (TCS) Group A block has been filled. Section 1.G of the Program Guidebook provides for a soft close period which allows the block to remain open for seven calendar days or when the next project applications submitted to the block
- Consumer Updates, Vendor Updates
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
- Consumer Updates
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,
- Consumer Updates
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
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