Program Updates
- Equity Eligible Contractors category hub, Vendor Updates
Resources and Guidance for EECs Complying with MES Reporting Requirements, Upcoming Webinar
As described in the Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook, beginning June 1, 2026, all Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) Approved Vendors (AVs) and Designees will be required to meet the Minimum Equity Standard (MES). During the upcoming reporting window, the Program is requesting data from EECs on their 2026-27 project workforce. For
- Vendor Updates
Stakeholder Feedback Deadline on Draft Program Guidebook and Consumer Protection Documents, Financing Opportunities Webinar, Expedited CDCS Review and Scoring Schedule
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank
- Vendor Updates
Expedited Community-Driven Community Solar Application Review and Scoring Schedule for 45-Day Application Window
As previously announced, as a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day CDCS application window from January 16, 2026, to March 2, 2026. Any project submitted during the 45-day window that qualifies for the waitlist will be placed behind projects submitted during the initial
- Vendor Updates
Financing Opportunities Webinar – April 9, 2026
In response to stakeholder interest in resources and opportunities for project financing, the Illinois Shines Program Administrator will host a Financing Opportunities webinar on Thursday, April 9, 2026, between 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CPT. This webinar will include presentations from Illinois Shines partner organizations, including the Hispanic American Construction Industry
- Vendor Updates
Reminder: Stakeholder Feedback on Draft Program Guidebook and Consumer Protection Documents Due March 20, 2026
The Illinois Power Agency has released drafts of several key program documents for stakeholder feedback. On March 4, 2026, the Agency released draft Consumer Protection Documents, including the Consumer Protection Handbook, Illinois Shines Community Solar Contract Requirements and Illinois Shines Distributed Generation Contract Requirements, and 2026 REC Adder – Categories
- Vendor Updates
Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook Feedback Request, Solar Tax Credit Information Sessions, Portal Pause for Interim Capacity Reallocation
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank