Public Schools
The Public Schools category includes Small and Large Distributed Generation projects as well as community solar projects that serve a public school in Illinois. The Public Schools category will generally comprise at least 15% of the Illinois Shines capacity. Beginning on June 1, 2026, distributed generation projects submitted to the Public Schools category will be awarded a 15-Year REC Contract, in accordance with the Public Act 104-0458. All Community Solar projects submitted to the Public Schools category and awarded capacity will continue to be placed on the 20-year contract. Projects in the Public Schools category are limited to those developed on land owned by public K-12 schools or districts, and public institutions of higher education.
Our new Solar for Schools page provides information, resources, project guides, and more designed to help public school administrators, facilities staff, and district leaders understand how solar projects can reduce long-term energy costs, and support sustainability goals and student learning.
For assistance in this project category, contact the Public Schools Sector Strategist, Brian Keller, at [email protected] or the Program Administrator team at [email protected].
Category-Specific Resources
February 2023 Public Schools Category — Request for Feedback
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February 2023 Stakeholder Feedback Request — Public Schools Category
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
Public Schools Program Category Brochure
This brochure provides more information on the Public Schools category in Illinois Shines.
Public Schools Case Study
Please see the Program’s new Public Schools Case Study to learn how one Illinois school district turned to Illinois Shines to achieve important financial and environmental benefits.
Helping Public Schools Go Solar With Illinois Shines
The Program has prepared a recorded presentation (presentation slides here) designed to help public schools explore solar energy opportunities through Illinois Shines. The presentation provides an in-depth overview of the Illinois Shines Program, project types including the Public Schools project category, financing options, and key considerations for schools exploring solar energy.
Category-Specific Updates
This blog includes key items specific to this Illinois Shines project category, but AVs and Designees are still expected to read all Program announcements in full, which contain other critical Program items and updates.
Financing Opportunities Webinar Held
New Solar for Schools Webpage
Reminder of December 17 Elective Pay Webinar
Informational Materials
Download link:
Public Schools Program Category Brochure
This brochure provides more information on the Public Schools category in Illinois Shines.
Download link:
Public Schools Project Guide
This guide outlines next steps for schools looking to go solar.