Approved Vendors & Designees
Illinois Shines provides value to participating customers, who can engage with Approved Vendors vetted by the Program, take advantage of educational materials, resources, and consumer protection support, receive financial incentives that may be passed on by participating vendors, and more. For solar developers, including Approved Vendors and Designees, the Program incentivizes the development of solar projects through the generation and sale of RECs, which are sold by Approved Vendors to the contracting utility over a 15- or 20-year contract.
Approved Vendors
Approved Vendors (AVs) are entities approved by the Program Administrator (as an agent of the Illinois Power Agency), to submit project applications to the Illinois Shines Program and act as a counterparty to the Program REC contracts with utilities.
AVs who meet applicable criteria can become registered as Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC).
Designees
Designees are entities that work with and on behalf of Approved Vendors, and that have direct interaction with end-use customers to manage various portions of solar system development. They include installers, warranty holders, marketing firms, lead generators, and sales, maintenance and repair organizations.
Illinois Shines Approved Vendors can develop and submit projects in two primary project types, Distributed Generation and Community Solar, and within these project types, across six project categories: Small Distributed Generation, Large Distributed Generation, Traditional Community Solar, Community-Driven Community Solar, Public Schools, and Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs). For more information about these project categories, please see the Illinois Shines Project Types page.
How Illinois Shines Can Help Your Business
Illinois Shines makes it easy and attractive for businesses to participate in the state’s solar energy market. Illinois Shines offers an opportunity for businesses to receive the financial benefits from the installation of renewable energy and participate in the growing solar market in Illinois. Just like homeowners, Illinois Shines offers businesses:
- Access to REC incentives for a variety of project types and sizes, throughout the state
- A streamlined process for participating, submitting project applications, and energizing projects
- A way for businesses to keep their energy costs low while participating in the growth of the renewables sector in the state
How Illinois Shines Can Help Your Business
