Illinois Shines is the brand name for the Adjustable Block Programa state-administered incentive program supporting the development of new solar energy generation in Illinois. Copyright 2023 LeafScore. The price drop between blocks is 4%. For homeowners interested in solar at home but unsure about the upfront cost, check out Illinoiss Solar for All program. General Program Information - Illinois Shines The second 10 years of SRECs is a fixed 35$ Illinois: Illinois is also a fixed amount, however SRECs can differ in price depending on when you go solar. Find the best price from solar installers in Illinois. Community Solar are typically large systems from a minimum size of 500 kW up to 2 MW (AC) that feed into the grid and generating power for subscribers. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Illinois SRECs help those solar system owners recoup their investment. represents the clean attributes of solar electricity. This guarantees clean energy savings. Are energy-efficient appliances worth it? The overall Illinois Shines program address three areas: Distributed Generation, or DG for short refers to behind the meter solar systems intended to generate electricity for the home or building they are connected to. Illinois Shines: Illinois is one of few states with a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program to support the development of solar projects in the state. payments will be made (to clients)pursuant to the rules of the One Illinois SREC equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy generated, or one megawatt (MWh). SREC Incentive Overview and Status as of March 31, 2021The solar renewable energy credit (or "SREC") has been an exceptional Illinois solar incentive available through the Illinois Shines program. If your project is on the waitlist first seeking confirmation of funding, now is the time to move forward. The EnergySage Solar Calculator estimates the net 20-year savings of a 5 kW system installed in McLean County, IL to be anywhere from $21,564 to $29,175. 30% credit for systems installed between 2005 and 2022, 0% credit for systems installed in 2024 or later, 30% credit for systems installed between 2022 and 2032, 0% credit for systems installed after 2035, Put toward your solar loan as additional principal to reduce the payoff timeline, Use to recoup your cash investment in solar to expedite your. The Illinois SREC program could potentially cover 20% to 40% of your total solar investment for residential and business applications! Any credits can be used to offset Basic Generation Service costs, meaning youll still pay a bill with connection fees and other administrative charges. Renew Your Membership That incentive is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income tax liability that a person or company claiming the credit would otherwise pay the federal government. Like homeowners, small businesses and nonprofits can apply to the Illinois Shines program through an approved vendor. Use the. Best of all, the program takes no time to enroll in, as your installer will set up automatic credit sales for you. RECs may be sold to the utility for meeting the State's Renewable Portfolio Standards. Given the tax rate in IL of 2.16% and the typical system value of $20,475, this exemption should save you approximately $8,845 in taxes over the life of your equipment.2. The Federal Solar Tax Credit is still 26 percent for construction that started before Dec. 31, 2022. How do I go about finding someone to install solar on my roof/property? FEJA established the incentive structure known as the Adjustable Block Program (ABP), also known as the Illinois Shines program. (Same as Project). Unfortunately, the program ran out of funding in late 2020.The availability of SREC funding was divided between "Group A," which is largely run by Ameren downstate Its worth mentioning that tax software like HR Block and TurboTax know about this incentive and typically ask you when you go to file if you installed renewable energy equipment. Enrolling in this program is automatic, provided you choose a reputable installer to handle your PV panel installation. The Illinois Shines program is the state's equivalent of the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) programs and adjustable block programs in other states. This means most homeowners with a 6 kW array could earn around $360-$750 each year for their SRECs in Illinois. I want solar! That system value is calculated using the cost of your panels, batteries and inverters, plus installation costs. With the passing of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, however, this 5% cap has been removed. ENERGYSAGE is a registered trademark and the EnergySage logo is a trademark of EnergySage, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of either EnergySage, Inc. or our licensors and are used with permission. Its important to note that this is not a cashback incentive, so you wont get the average credit value of $6,143 back. The credits you accrue roll over for an entire year, and you can choose from two different billing periods for your credits to get reset to zero annually. Large systems over 25.0 kW to 5,000 kW are paid out annually over 7 years. In most cases, home improvements that make your home more valuable also push your taxes higher since your taxes are based on your overall home value. RECs Weve also unbiasedly ranked and reviewed hundreds of solar installers to empower you to make the right choice for your home. Donate The state has a local SREC market where your credits can be sold. That would mean less credit for each kWh you pass to the grid, which translates to fewer long-term savings. Across the country, NEM is one of the most beneficial incentives available for solar customers. And, if you send more energy to the grid than we deliver, you can receive credits on your bill. This incentive also takes basically no time to apply for, as youll be opted in automatically by your electric company. The highly popular and successful solar renewable energy credit incentive, or SREC program, will continue after a recent hiatus. Carmel, Rural Electric Cooperatives, and Municipal Utilities located in MISO belong in Group A; Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), and Rural Electric Cooperatives and Municipal Utilities located in PJM belong in Group B. If you buy electricity from your utility (e.g., basic service or hourly pricing), you must contact the utility to enroll in net metering. The SREC program in Illinois called the IL Solar Shines Program credits you for all solar power you produce with your system. Otherwise, youre paying to produce energy for which the utility wont compensate you. It guarantees that you are credited for all excess power your system produces that isnt used in your home and is instead sent to the grid. Project: A solar photovoltaic array and all associated equipment necessary for its generation of electricity and connection to the distribution grid. This could be your installer, a project developer, a broker, or an aggregator. The PUC mandates that all excess energy be credited at the full retail rate, which gives you the best chance of eliminating your utility bills. These credits work similarly to the federal solar tax credit. Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Residential: REC's are a state incentive, whose value is equal to the solar energy you produce over 15 years times the price set by the Illinois Power Agency for REC's. Formore details on Net Metering, view our Frequently Asked Questions. owners for the countless benefits to Illinois. Contact us at. The program maintains a list of pre-approved vendors to ensure excellent workmanship and customer protection. The Illinois SREC program could potentially cover 20% to 40% of your total solar investment for residential and business applications! Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Having trouble deciding? Ultimately, these Illinois solar incentives help stimulate development of new renewable energy resources. Ethics Reporting Associated with Communications with the IPA. Individual Memberships Were big fans of SREC programs because they credit you for all of your solar production, regardless of what you do with the energy. The good news is that Illinois is home to quite a few incentive programs that make PV equipment more affordable and maximize your long-term solar savings. This program is undergoing some changes in the summer of 2022, but the basic premise remains the same: home solar producers can earn 1 SREC for every MWh of electricity produced by their systems and can sell these to earn additional income. This incentive can net you several hundred dollars each year, seriously reducing your solar payback period. Well break down the initial steps below. Of that 25 percent, six percent must come from solar. through their installer or contact the two preferred national companies A list of Approved Vendors participating in Illinois Shines can be found. The initial prices for most of northern Illinois are: Small systems: $72.97 per SREC (applies to systems smaller than 10 kilowatts AC) Large systems: $73.23 per SREC (applies to systems between 10 and 25 kilowatts AC) These prices will decline in "blocks" over time as more-and-more homeowners go solar. Program Administrator: The IPAs subcontractor responsible for running day to day operations of the Adjustable Block Program. Site maintained byEnergy SolutionsAll Rights Reserved. Illinois Solar Energy Association - Illinois Power Agency REC Procurements For the average residential system, this comes out to more than $10,000 in additional savings. Alternatively, if you want to start out your process with an estimate of costs and savings associated with solar, try out our Solar Calculator. If youre an Ameren Illinois customer with a Smart Inverter that meets eligibility requirements, you can apply for the rebate here. Top brands in 2023, REC pricing for the 2022-2023 program year. Solar Ambassador Program If youre looking for a quote contact us today by phone or via our contact us page! SRECs in Missouri & Illinois | StraightUp Solar Some homeowners can get solar installed for free and then enjoy lower utility payments and the warm fuzzy feeling of helping enhance the green energy grid. As a solar and EV advocate, much of his work has focused on the potential of solar power and deregulated energy, but he also writes on related topics, like real estate and economics. Now when a blocks capacity is filled, applications are placed on a waitlist until the next program year (if filled mid-year). Illinois SREC Program - YouTube 2023 Illinois Solar Incentives Guide (Tax Credits, Rebates) - EcoWatch These brokers will pay property owners for their SRECs on a quarterly basis over the course of five years, and sell the SRECs to the IPA during the specified procurement rounds. For commercial customers, this is paid out over 5 years, and the REC value varies based on the size of the solar system. These two tax incentives offered in Illinois can make going solar even more affordable: Worried about your property tax bills going up because of the value your solar system will add to your home? Illinois Solar Legislation SRECs are a great way for businesses and nonprofits to generate savings in Illinois. The IPA is purchasing SRECs under a 15-year contract. The same rules apply re credits for kWh produced, and customers maintain the rights to renewable energy certificates and other incentives associated with solar. This may earn customers a rebate from the utility. Copyright 2009-2023 EnergySage, Inc. Over the 15 years the program lasts, youre expected to earn around $12,600 for your solar production. Whether youre already a proud owner of a solar array system or youre thinking about making the solar investment, contact us today to learn more. Distributed Generation Project Developer (DG Project Developer): A DG, Project Developer may oversee client relationships, design of the solar project, and site management. The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) took effect on June 1, 2017 and is designed to stimulate job creation in clean energy, assist the state in meeting its ambitious RPS goal by 2025, and promote energy efficiency. Under the Adjustable Block Program, this system falls into the Small DG category. Approved Vendors often work with Designees to manage various portions of solar system development. Interconnection Agreement: An agreement with the utility to interconnect the photovoltaic community solar or distributed generation system to the utilitys distribution system. The tax exemption for solar equipment in IL prevents your taxes from going up as a result of installing solar equipment. Our experts will be happy to discuss this exciting incentive and make sure you understand all the rewarding benefits Illinois SRECs can potentially bring to your project. For reference, large DG systems are usually hosted on larger buildings or roofs, not residential properties. are valued for the total energy production from an array and therefore Its a perfect incentive for businesses, farms, homes, non-profits, government buildings, others to take advantage of. From there, each category is further divided by the size of the solar installation; if your installation produces less than 25 kW you fall into the Small DG category, whereas the Large DG, Traditional Community Solar, Community-Driven Community Solar, and Public School categories all range from 25 kW up to 5,000 kW. Illinois also offers a special exemption for residents of counties with fewer than three million inhabitants. Once you determine your block group and the size of your installation (most home solar systems will qualify as a Small DG), you can use this chart from the Illinois Power Agency below to understand how much your SRECs might be worth. New customers should review the ABP Program Brochure for general program information. The perks available are plentiful and highly beneficial, and the state is currently on track to meet its RPS goal. Learn More about the IPA's implementation activities under CEJA. If your bill is based on fixed prices for energy, your credits will simply be measured in kWh. When you compare quotes for solar panels on EnergySage's competitive solar marketplace, you can expect to see prices up to 20% lower than working with a single solar company. Small projects can work with 3rd party aggregators if they RECs are a way to track and monetize these environmental benefits and compensate owners for the countless benefits to Illinois. In other words, every time a MWh is produced by a solar array, another SREC comes into existence. Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you. If that does happen, and the state doesnt set a new RPS goal, the likelihood is that net energy metering will either no longer be available or will drop to a less beneficial avoided-cost rate. Youll see far less personal benefit than if you purchased or financed panels. Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. Does Illinois have a solar sales tax exemption? The state set a specific amount of installed solar (in megawatts, MW) and an associated SREC price for each block. If you go solar while theres still capacity for the 2022-2023 program year, your SRECs would sell for $78.51 each and you would earn roughly $7,066 in SREC sales! Illinois has an SREC program called the Adjustable Block Program, orIllinois Shines. Participating in Illinois Shines means you play an important role in helping the State meet its renewable energy goals. RECs are certificates that are created when a renewable energy generating facility produces energy. Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. ComEd's Illinois has a very favorable net metering program that helps bring down effective energy costs. Then for systems under 10kW you receive a lump sum payment after your solar array has been installed in one lump sum. System Purchase >25 kW Sample Disclosure Form, https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/solar-photovoltaic-technology-basics. Solar Panel Installation | Highland & Springfield, IL & Layton, UT You may participate in Illinois Shines in one of two ways: Whether you are planning to install solar on your property or subscribe to a community solar project, you must work with an Approved Vendor who will either submit your solar system to the Program or register your community solar subscription with an already established Community Solar project in the Program. This Act included significant changes to the Adjustable Block/Illinois Shines program. Renewable Energy Credit (REC) is a tradable, environmental asset that Instead, qualifying households pay a reduced monthly fee for power produced, up to a maximum of 50% of the value of the energy produced. As such, you stand to make the most from SRECs in Illinois by going solar now instead of waiting. Solar Rebates & Tax Incentives: What You Need to Know, State property tax exemptions in Illinois, Final thoughts on state solar incentives in Illinois, Illinois Shines helps residential solar producers sell their SRECs to earn additional income, The Illinois Solar for All program helps low-income households sign up for solar with no upfront cost, Value added by home solar is exempt from property tax assessments, Illinois mandates retail rate net metering but credits expire annually. (1 REC = 1,000 Its possible that in 2025 when the state reaches its RPS goal, some incentives will be abandoned or changed for the worse. Want to find the best deal on solar in all of Illinois? cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels in Illinois, low-income households to convert to solar, Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Offers a credit to your tax liability for 30% of your entire system cost, Provides credits for all solar production, which you can sell for a profit, Varies based on the size of your system, your total energy production rate and more, Offers an accessible payment plan for low-income solar customers, Varies based on the size of your system, your average monthly electric bill and more, Waives all taxes on your property for the value added to your home by your PV system, Varies based on your system size, system installation cost and your local property tax rate, Provides credits for excess energy production, which can be used to pay down future bills, Varies based on your monthly utility bills and your average rate of solar production, Various rebate programs offered by local utility companies and municipalities, Varies based on the specific incentive, where you live and your utility provider. Utilities are only required to issue SREC payments quarterly, so the time it takes to receive your check varies. Combined with our proprietary energy savings program we provide Illinois businesses . threshold. Community Solar: A solar project which (1) is interconnected to an electric utility, a municipal utility, or a rural electric cooperative, (2) allows subscribers to pay for shares or some other interest in the project, receiving bill credits in exchange; and (3) does not exceed 2,000 kW AC in size. Once you move forward with a solar company, theyll work with you and the state to ensure that your system is eligible for SRECs once its operational. For a personalized assessment of the credits and rebates you may qualify for, launch our Some electric companies pay out two lump sums one at seven years and one at 15 years. sales @ mysolidbox.com The price per REC in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Power Agency. 423 W.800S.#A317 Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Please note this is an incentive which is subject to tax. Illinois solar incentives and rebates help you save on solar, Is something missing or out of date? Inventory, GreenBuildingprojects, as well as regulatoryand protocol Payments are usually sent out as a lump sum for systems under 25 kW (most residential systems) or over a 5- or 7-year period for bigger systems and commercial projects. It provides an average potential value of $6,143 for Illinois residents, and it takes just a few minutes to file for. In the sections below, well provide responses to some of the most common questions we get asked about solar perks and benefit programs in Illinois. As of the time of writing, each SREC in IL is worth approximately $72. Call us at (773) 812-3447 for more information on SRECs. Incentive values vary based on estimated solar production, the size of your solar installation, your utility company, and more. Municipal & County Resources This credit has been available since 2005, and it has gone through some changes since it was initially offered. Please enable scripts and reload this page. The homeowner, in turn, enjoys solar panels and the energy that they generate at a low cost. Commercial: RECs are a state incentive, whose value is equal to the solar energy you produce over 15 years times the price set by the Illinois Power Agency for RECs. ENERGYSAGE is a registered trademark and the EnergySage logo is a trademark of EnergySage, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of either EnergySage, Inc. or our licensors and are used with permission. The Illinois Power Agency implemented a long-term renewable resources plan, part of which provides SRECs for customers who generate solar energy. Dont delay, enjoy the benefits of generating electricity from the sun! Solar Surge Expected as SREC Incentive is Back! New - Central Illinois Additionally, eligible nonprofits and public entities can apply for the Illinois Solar for All program, which aims to promote access to the benefits of solar through program incentives.