Event Type : Deadline

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 location, or project size. The 180-day prioritization window will close on November 30, 2026 at 11:59pm.

AVs and Designees certified as Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs), AVs designated as Small and Emerging Businesses, and/or businesses that are minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, or disability-owned are encouraged to register as mentees through the Mentee Registration form on the Mentorship Program Page. Mentees are expected to attend eight 75-minute, virtual trainings, held on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. CPT between January 13 and March 3, 2027, and are encouraged to attend an in-person networking event to be hosted on March 4, 2027. The Mentorship Program is also seeking mentor applications, through the Mentor Registration form on the Mentorship Program Page, from experienced AVs and Designees, including those certified as EECs, willing to share insights into Program and solar industry-related topics with mentees. 

As shared, Designees and Nested Designees registered prior to the start of the 2026–27 Program Year will be required to renew their registration by Monday, November 30, 2026, to maintain active registration in the Illinois Shines program. Designees will receive an email on Monday, October 19, 2026, containing a link to their renewal form and unique login credentials. EEC Designees and Subcontractors may also renew their status and will receive an updated EEC certificate following the renewal review. For additional information please refer to Section 4.G, Designee Renewal, of the Program Guidebook. It is the Approved Vendor’s responsibility to ensure that their Designees and Nested Designees are compliant with renewal requirements. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in follow up from the Program Administrator and possible disciplinary actions, as set out in the Consumer Protection Violation Response Matrix in the Consumer Protection Handbook. 

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 location, or project size. The 180-day prioritization window will close on December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

AVs and Designees certified as Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs), AVs designated as Small and Emerging Businesses, and/or businesses that are minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, or disability-owned are encouraged to register as mentees through the Mentee Registration form on the Mentorship Program Page. Mentees are expected to attend eight 75-minute, virtual trainings, held on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. CPT between January 13 and March 3, 2027, and are encouraged to attend an in-person networking event to be hosted on March 4, 2027. The Mentorship Program is also seeking mentor applications, through the Mentor Registration form on the Mentorship Program Page, from experienced AVs and Designees, including those certified as EECs, willing to share insights into Program and solar industry-related topics with mentees.