Program Help Guides and Application Tips
This page includes Program Help Guides and Application Tips and Tricks designed to help Vendors and their Designees successfully participate in Illinois Shines. Click on a topic to view a resource, which include PDFs and videos. This page and these materials are revised as Program systems, processes, and the Program portal are updated.
These materials are designed to support all participating entities, regardless of project category that they participate in.
For additional reference, interested entities may wish to review the Presentation Recordings and slide decks from the Mentorship Program which cover a range of topics including Program overview, REC contracting, project applications, ongoing Program requirements, Marketing best practices and consumer protection, and more.
| Topic | Last updated |
|---|---|
| Approved Vendor Program Requirements – Annual Checklist | October 31, 2024 |
| Prevailing Wage Requirements | June 14, 2024 |
| Prevailing Wage Walkthrough Video | May 29, 2025 |
| Distributed Generation Project Application Checklist | July 31, 2024 |
| Acceptable Formats for Part II CoC/PTO Documents | August 8, 2024 |
| How to Determine if Electricity Customer Receives Competitive or Non-Competitive Service | November 8, 2024 |
| Advance of Capital | May 19, 2026 |
| Scheduled Energization Extension Guide | June 1, 2026 |
Disclosure Forms are an important consumer education tool that customers can use to understand key project information and to compare offers. In addition to these materials, the Disclosure Form Deep Dive tool is a helpful resource solar vendors may wish to review.
| Topic | Last updated |
|---|---|
| All Disclosure Forms — CSV Upload Guide (PDF) | May 30, 2023 |
| Manage Your Disclosure Forms (PDF) | March 31, 2025 |
| DG Lease Disclosure Form Walkthrough (PDF) | May 30, 2023 |
| DG Project Purchase Disclosure Form Walkthrough (PDF) | May 30, 2023 |
| DG Power Purchase Agreement Disclosure Form Walkthrough (PDF) | May 30, 2023 |
| Community Solar Disclosure Form Walkthrough (PDF) | May 30, 2023 |
These resources support use of the Program portal
| Topic | Last updated |
|---|---|
| How to Reset Your Password | September 27, 2022 |
| Portal Overview | July 1, 2025 |
| Topic | Last updated |
|---|---|
| Part I Applications (DG and CS) | March 31, 2025 |
| Part II Applications (DG and CS) | March 31, 2025 |
| Batching | March 31, 2025 |
| Traditional Community Solar Part I Application Example | September 14, 2026 |
| Traditional Community Solar Part II Application Example | September 14, 2026 |
| Topic | Last Updated |
|---|---|
| Annual Report Guide | May 18, 2026 |
| REC Performance Evaluation | April 17, 2025 |
| REC Performance Calculation Evaluation Walkthrough Video | May 16, 2025 |
| Community Solar Parameters Evaluation Walkthrough Video (4/13/26 edit) | April 13, 2026 |
| Annual Report and REC Performance Evaluation Walkthrough – May 16, 2025 (4/15/26 update) | April 15, 2026 |
| Community Solar System Parameters Evaluation (Annual Subscriber Evaluation) | April 7, 2026 |
| Collateral and Performance Assurance | February 26, 2026 |
| Assignment of Product Order or Entire REC Contracts | January 27, 2026 |
| 15 Year REC Delivery Contract – Community Solar Subscriber Verification Overview & Timeline | April 17, 2025 |
| 20 Year REC Delivery Contract – Community Solar Subscriber Verification Overview & Timeline | February 27, 2026 |
Application Tips & Tricks Blog
Use the text Field in Section 6 of the Part I DG project application to explain variances between the Utility Account Holder and the Property Owner
Section 6 of the Part I DG project application includes a text field. Approved Vendors may also use this field to explain variances in utility address compared physical project addresses. For example, the physical project location address might differ from the utility address due to street name redesignation, zip code
When to include an ‘Unavailability of Net Metering Acknowledgment Form’ or a ‘Net Metering Letter’
A Utility Net Metering Reference Table, available at the Program website, lists each utility that has participated in the Program thus far and whether the utility a) provides 1:1 net metering and b) if net metering is provided, does the utility issue a Net Metering Letter. The Utility Net Metering
Ways to ensure project application data and documentation submitted to the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) Registry is correct to avoid Need Info delays
The Program Administrator has observed a trend in data inconsistency between Part II project application data and documentation submitted to the Generation Attribute Tracking System (“GATS”) Registry. Non-matching information will result in a Need Info request that delays application review and approval, and Approved Vendors are advised to ensure accurate,
Use the DG Project Application Checklist and other Program resources to avoid Need Info requests
To avoid common errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in Part I and Part II for Distributed Generation project applications, the Program provides a DG Project Application Checklist to assist stakeholders. Please see the current Program Guidebook for full application requirements. Stakeholders needing assistance or who have questions are encouraged to visit
The Standardized Address tool should be used when completing an application’s Part I Section 1’s Project Location
While using the address tool, search the full street and city before selecting the standardized format. Many street addresses can be confused for similar ones across various cities. A correct street address paired with an incorrect city and/or zip code can create Need Info delays.
Program REC Quantity Calculations are calculated using the AC system sizes and output
The PVWatts® capacity factor is calculated automatically by the Portal using PVWatts Version 8. Approved Vendors have the option to use an alternative capacity factor, which may be larger than the PVWatts capacity factor; alternative capacity factor calculations should be based on AC system sizes and output. Custom calculations outside
For assistance within specific project categories, contact the dedicated Sector Strategist, listed here, or the Program Administrator team at [email protected]
Small Distributed Generation
Kaitlin Hogan, at [email protected]
Large Distributed Generation
Stellan Roberts, at [email protected]
Community Solar (TCS & CDCS)
Jess Blue, at [email protected]
Public Schools
Brian Keller, [email protected]
Equity Eligible Contractor
Conner Rettig, at [email protected]