Success Spotlights
Illinois Shines supports the development of on-site solar (distributed generation) and community solar and makes going solar more affordable for residents and businesses across Illinois. The program offers valuable incentives, rigorous consumer protections, and commitments to equity that help all Illinoisans play a role and benefit from the state’s transition to renewable and clean energy. Every week, Illinois Shines sees new successes, including new projects, support for consumers, and new economic opportunities for communities and contractors. This page spotlights just a few of the program’s many successes, and will continue to be updated with impacts, case studies, and other program profiles and highlights.
12.1 Million Metric Tons of CO2 Offset* — And Counting!
The Illinois Shines projects that are energized will offset 12.1 million metric tons (MMt) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2e) over their lifetimes. That’s equivalent to:
200M Trees
The carbon sequestered by 200,189,904 tree seedlings grown for 10 years
1.6M Homes
The CO2 emissions from 1,625,930 homes' energy use for one year
2.8M Vehicles
The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2,824,016 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year
*Assuming 20-year project lifespan, 0.05% annual degradation rate, and average 15.47 capacity factor, and using data of projects energized by 5/31/2025.Illinois marginal emission rate factors identified from NREL’s Cambium data set, and CO2e emissions converted into impact equivalencies using EPA’s Greenhous Gas Equivalencies Calculator
Illinois Shines Case Studies
Real-world examples of successful projects participating in Illinois Shines that illustrate the opportunities and positive community and economic impacts clean energy projects bring to Illinois.
More Illinois Shines case studies across project categories are coming soon!
Public Schools
Palestine, IL School District Turns to Illinois Shines Solar Project to Achieve Important Financial and Environmental Benefits
Community-Driven
Community Solar
Rockford, IL Achieves Affordable Clean Energy and Community Benefits Through Innovative Illinois Shines Solar Development
Traditional
Community Solar
How Pontiac, IL Converted 42 Acres into a Productive Agrivoltaics Community Solar Project Through Illinois Shines
Solar Spotlights
Illinois Shines helps customers, communities, and contractors benefit from program incentives and initiatives. This section shines a light on just a few of the positive impacts Illinoisans are supporting through the program.
