For your system, the value is 7.1 cents/kWh produced, which is paid in year one. Small Subscriber: A residential or small commercial customer with a subscription below 25 kW. The DG Project Developer must utilize an installer for the project who is certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Its possible that, as the Prairie State approaches or surpasses its RPS goal, the net energy metering credit rate will drop or go away entirely. 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. In Illinois, net metering customers may be eligible for a Smart Inverter Rebate if they install and use an approved Smart Inverter as part of their solar energy system. The average cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels in Illinois is around $20,475 before any incentives or rebates are applied. Top brands in 2023, REC pricing for the 2022-2023 program year. Dont delay, enjoy the benefits of generating electricity from the sun! Illinois solar incentives and rebates help you save on solar, Is something missing or out of date? The state has a local SREC market where your credits can be sold. Its a perfect incentive for businesses, farms, homes, non-profits, government buildings, others to take advantage of. Project: A solar photovoltaic array and all associated equipment necessary for its generation of electricity and connection to the distribution grid. You may host a new solar photovoltaic system on your rooftop or on your property, directly offsetting your energy usage; or. Individual Memberships If you buy electricity from a Retail Electric Supplier (e.g., through municipal aggregation or an individual contract), you must contact the supplier to enroll in net metering. tradingand energy forecasting, development ofcarbon and renewable This incentive structure is very similar to the Megawatt Block rebate available in New York State, as well as the SMART incentive in Massachusetts. Education Webinars, Illinois Solar Energy Association c/o Shamrock Electric | 1281 E. Brummel Ave Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | contactisea@illinoissolar.org, Copyright 2009 - 2018 Illinois Solar Energy Association, FAQs - Utility, Community, and Large-Scale Solar, Consumer Protection Business Code of Conduct, Future Energy Jobs Act Workforce Development Programs, COVID-19 Resources for Solar Professionals. The SREC program provides a means for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) to be created for every megawatt-hour of solar electricity created. Find out what solar costs in your area in 2023, 2023 expert guide to solar panels for homes. It helps pay off your system more quickly and maximizes your long-term energy savings. Read our updated article on the cost of solar panels to compare solar costs across states and by panel brand. As such, it makes sense to try to shift your billing year to end just after your highest consumption months. . solar calculator. Block groups are determined by utility companies and load zones. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Lets assume this is your solar panel system and it generates six SRECs a year. Taxpayers can claim a Federal Income Tax Credit (FITC) of 30% for qualified expenditures on a solar system that provides electricity to their residence (owned and lived in by the taxpayer). Some electric companies pay out two lump sums one at seven years and one at 15 years. Copyright 2023 LeafScore. The quotes would include current incentives available in your area. If you are looking for information on a program serving low-income and environmental justice communities, please visit the Illinois Solar for All program site. For small residential & commercial systems under 25 kW (AC) the SREC payment will occur in one payment. The complete list of Illinois solar incentives and tax credits for 2023, plus how to take advantage. If youre looking for a quote contact us today by phone or via our contact us page! The incentive is called a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), and its administered by the Illinois Shines Program. capacity. A system must be energized within 12 months (18 months for community solar projects) after this contract is approved. 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. The Initial Plan was approved in 2018 and a Revised Plan was approved in June 2021. Owners sell their generated SRECs in Illinois for a 15-year contract into a market set up by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The IPA is purchasing SRECs under a 15-year contract. In Illinois you as a solar owner contract with an Approved Vendor (through your installer) to sell all the SRECs your system is expected to generate over the first 15 years. Illinois Shines Opens for 2022-2023 Program Year, Re-Opens for Applications We should also mention that the beneficial NEM program is subject to change, as it has in some other states across the country. To learn about any incentives you may qualify for, launch our the utility where system owners are credited for excess generation. This past summer of 2022, the Illinois Shines program was on a temporary pause while a new program administrator was installed. Rather than the old five-year SREC program, this new incentive structure lasts for 15 years worth of solar production. Illinois Shines is part of the state's plan to hit its ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of producing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2040. Want to find the best deal on solar in all of Illinois? What Illinois Residents Need To Know About SRECs? Learn more about the Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits Program. The first step towards earning SRECs is to shop for a solar panel system. There are many opportunities to help you offset the out-of-pocket costs to install a solar generating system. If you live in a state surrounding Illinois that doesnt have an SREC program, your project may still be eligible. On July 1, 2022, Energy Solutions became the new Program Administrator for Illinois Shines. Captcha validation failed. Register for free to start comparing quotes. Whats The Near-Term Outlook For More Incentives In Illinois? Illinois SREC incentives are managed under the Adjustable Block Program. 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. represents the clean attributes of solar electricity. 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? This guarantees clean energy savings. Program Resources - Illinois Shines The Federal Solar Tax Credit is still 26 percent for construction that started before Dec. 31, 2022. payments will be made (to clients)pursuant to the rules of the Approved Vendors often work with Designees to manage various portions of solar system development. Summit Solar - Illinois Illinois SRECs are sold at a fixed price which is determined by contracts, rather than the variable market prices of the old SREC program. Homeowners get one SREC for. The amount of power a solar system will generate is dependent on a variety of factors, including system size, roof angle, and sunlight. Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits help the state meet Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which is a regulatory mandate that sets goals for generating a percentage of Illinois overall electricity from renewable energy. Homeowners sell these SRECs through a market set up by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Illinois, Missouri - (618)-444-2693 Utah, Idaho - (801)-444-5130 Illinois may not have the year-round sunshine of the Southwest, but it does have a great solar power market because of the available financial incentives. At that time, youll be paid a lump sum for all of the credits you accrued. Copyright 2009-2023 EnergySage, Inc. Office. Part II: The second part of the application completed after energization, demonstrating completion of the project in accordance with the Part I parameters approved. With the new SREC program, its a bit different the current SREC program lasts for a longer duration, and the price you receive for each SREC is fixed and dependent on your utility company, system size, and how soon you go solar. As mentioned above, every 1,000 kWh you generate will yield an energy credit, which will get sold automatically on the local market. In 2017, the Illinois government created new legislation that altered the existing Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) program structure in the state. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. 423 W.800S.#A317 Salt Lake City, UT 84101. REC prices are determined through the Adjustable Block Program. Otherwise, youre paying to produce energy for which the utility wont compensate you. 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. If your project is on the waitlist first seeking confirmation of funding, now is the time to move forward. If you buy electricity from your utility (e.g., basic service or hourly pricing), you must contact the utility to enroll in net metering. This means the price of SRECs declines as more solar energy systems are installed. Ameren Illinois also offers net metering to residential customers. The Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems means that you will be taxed as if the panels were not even there. The tax exemption for solar equipment in IL prevents your taxes from going up as a result of installing solar equipment. Illinois SREC Program - YouTube ComEd's Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada's National Observer. All excess energy is credited at the full retail rate, which is the best-case scenario. The portal is an online source designed to help connect clean energy companies withEquity Eligible Personslooking to work in the clean energy sector in Illinois. Instead, the total credit amount is applied to the income taxes you owe, which means you can only take the credit if you owe money on your taxes. See our Community Solar page for more info. You can, however, take a partial credit the first year and roll over any leftover credit for up to five years. solar calculator helps you assess your rooftop solar potential by combining your historical usage data with solar data in your area to provide a personalized evaluation for your property, including any rebates and credits. Dont forget about the 30% Solar Federal Tax Credit that is available for solar owners as well. Its possible that this incentive will be discontinued again if funds run out. We can educate you on all the current state rebates and credits around the red hot SREC program, exclusively available in Illinois. The kind of credits you get each month for surplus energy depends on the price you pay for energy from ComEd and whether you received the utilitys commercial distributed generation rebate (not currently available for residential arrays). It credits all solar customers for solar production, and those energy credits can then be sold for a profit. Pricing & Incentives: Guide To Solar Panels In Illinois 2022 - Forbes Home For solar energy customers, the April settlement date will likely make more sense than the October date. The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Program is an excellent option for low-income households to convert to solar power. 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. Whether its ported to the grid or used in your home, youll earn a cash value for all of the energy you generate. ISEA recommends system owners work In other words, every time a MWh is produced by a solar array, another SREC comes into existence. The block groups are divided into four main categories: Small Distributed Generation (DG), Large DG, Traditional Community Solar, Community-Driven Community Solar, and Public Schools. Approved Vendor Info - Illinois Shines Learn More about the IPA's implementation activities under CEJA. 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. Does Illinois have a solar sales tax exemption? Community Solar Resources Through the program, you earn one credit for every 1,000 kWh (1 megawatt-hour) your system generates, which most IL property owners generate in a single month. 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. She is passionate about making clean energy more accessible to everyone and has worked in clean energy communications since graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelors in Business Administration. 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. This is where SRECs come in a utility can claim the electricity produced from your home solar system to help meet RPS requirements through the purchase of SRECs. Credits dont roll over indefinitely though, and any surplus expires at the annual billing date. With one credit earned each month, thats an average of $840 per year your system will earn you. (1 REC = 1,000 The Illinois Shines program is the states equivalent of the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) programs and adjustable block programs in other states. This incentive also takes basically no time to apply for, as youll be opted in automatically by your electric company. Phase I of the portal was launched on January 31, 2023. You can answer some questions yourself, while others can be answered by your installer or sales agent. As per the current law, credits carry over month to month until the end of the billing year, whereupon they expire. Is my home or property a good fit for a solar system? The Developer must utilize an installer for the project who is certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Educational Videos Mid-American also offers net metering and allows for a shorter than 12 months initial billing period. For the average Illinois resident, this solar program yields around $12,600 over the life of their system! 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. All credits are automatic, provided you have the right electric meter, and a new one will be provided for free even if you dont have a bidirectional meter. You dont need to apply for anything or file any paperwork, and the savings are massive. The Program provides payments in exchange for 15 years of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from a utility contracted to buy the RECs from your Approved Vendor. Ultimately, these Illinois solar incentives help stimulate development of new renewable energy resources. The highly popular and successful solar renewable energy credit incentive, or SREC program, will continue after a recent hiatus. If youre ready to take advantage of this highly beneficial Illinois solar incentive, give us a call or contact us today. Types of Approved Vendors Distributed Generation Installer ("DG Installer"): A DG Installer also has received certification from the Illinois Commerce Commission ("ICC") to perform distributed generation installations. Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. But, most people wont qualify unless they already have solar installation experience. Large Distributed Generation Large DG): A distributed generation system larger than 10 kW, up to 2 MW. In this guide to solar benefits and incentive programs available in Illinois, youll learn: Our solar experts have sifted through hundreds of local governments and utility companies websites to find accurate information about current solar incentives in each state. Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers one of the best net metering programs in Illinois. Illinois has two main solar policies that will have the biggest financial impact on your investment: Under the Adjustable Block Program, also known as Illinois Shines, you can earn one solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) for each megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity your solar system produces over 15 years. Thanks to Illinois net metering policy, your utility will buy back any excess electricity your solar system produces. Essentially, you can generate additional income from the power that your panels produce in order to help the state meet the solar requirement. 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. For instance, if you buy energy from ComEd at hourly prices, any net metering credits will also be based on the price of power at the time your array produces it and sends it to the grid. Above, weve discussed all of the incentives available to Illinois property owners. However, not all of these programs are equally as beneficial, especially when you consider the time investment required to take advantage of them. If you answer yes, the software will automatically direct you to fill in the required information. If you are deemed a qualified person as defined by Illinois Administrative Code 83 468.20, then yes! Illinois may get a little less sun than average, but with above-average electricity costs, the Prairie State is a great place to go solar at home. The program lasts for 15 years after you install your photovoltaic (PV) equipment. New customers should review the ABP Program Brochure for general program information. However, if your system is larger than that, you receive the payments over the course of five years. That would mean less credit for each kWh you pass to the grid, which translates to fewer long-term savings. Illinois separates SREC price amounts into blocks, as each block fills up the price of the SRECs goes down in the next block. That means that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you generate and send to the grid will offset one kWh you pull from the grid when your panels fail to produce enough energy for your home like at night or on cloudy days. This incentive can net you several hundred dollars each year, seriously reducing your solar payback period. in the Illinois Shines program. The Illinois Power Agency implemented a long-term renewable resources plan, part of which provides SRECs for customers who generate solar energy. The credit was bumped up to $7,500 for some makes and models. Business Memberships All rights reserved. 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. Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. Combined with our proprietary energy savings program we provide Illinois businesses . All applications to the Adjustable Block Program must be submitted by an approved vendor, which includes solar installers, project developers, and SREC brokers and aggregators. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. The best of EcoWatch right in your inbox. The Illinois SREC program could potentially cover 20% to 40% of your total solar investment for residential and business applications! Its our hope that when the goal is met in 2025, the state sets a new one and maintains the current incentives to help reach it. Its possible that the future holds a less appealing avoided-cost rate for excess energy in Illinois or no compensation at all. Part I approval results in an ICC approved contract with one of the distribution utilities. solar panel. What Do Illinoisans Need to Know About the Federal Solar Tax Credit? Illinois Solar Energy Association - Illinois Power Agency REC Procurements The Program provides payments in exchange for 15 years of Renewable Energy Credits ("RECs") from a utility contracted to buy the RECs from your Approved Vendor. Your payback time is greatly reduced. 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. See the cost of solar in IL cities and towns, Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you. Illinois Power Agency Energy Workforce Equity Portal The portal is an online source designed to help connect clean energy companies with Equity Eligible Persons looking to work in the clean energy sector in Illinois. If youre an Ameren Illinois customer with a Smart Inverter that meets eligibility requirements, you can apply for the rebate here. Illinois Shines SREC Program Gets New Funds for 2022 - Zenernet Illinois Power Agency The Agency's activities related to the development of new renewable resources to support the Illinois renewable Portfolio Standard are guided by the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. If you only have time to file for one credit, we strongly suggest making it this one. What are the best rebates and incentives to take when converting to solar in Illinois? Enrolling in this program is far more complicated than the other incentives discussed above. 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. If you own your home array and can take advantage of the states robust SREC market, Illinois is a great place to go solar. In most cases, the old SREC incentive exhausted blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4. 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. Residential Solar Incentives (Small/14-unit buildings) ($/REC) To encourage Energy Sovereignty, an additional $10 per REC would be added for projects that result in ownership by the customer, such as through an early buyout of a lease or PPA. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created the investment tax credit (ITC) for commercial and residential solar energy systems. SRECs accrue as solar electricity is generated and are typically paid out either as a lump sum or over a 7-year period. Below, well rank what we believe are the top three most crucial incentives to make sure you take as an Illinois solar customer. REC prices are determined through the Adjustable Block Program. With EnergySage, you can compare your solar options when you receive quotes from the best local solar installers near you. A list of Approved Vendors participating in Illinois Shines can be found. Specifically, Section 10-10 of the Illinois Property Tax Code states that homeowners who install solar can file an alternate valuation of their home improvements with the chief county assessment officer. The library zone below is used to load resources. As such, taking advantage of this is a no-brainer. Were big fans of SREC programs because they credit you for all of your solar production, regardless of what you do with the energy. Now when a blocks capacity is filled, applications are placed on a waitlist until the next program year (if filled mid-year). Dont be. Energy Solutions has been designated the Program Administrator. 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. On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, which includes new funding for the Illinois Shines SREC program, a massive incentive for solar buyers in Illinois. How do I go about finding someone to install solar on my roof/property? Well outline the steps you need to take below. Additionally, the Illinois Shines Program has been a bit rocky in the past. You can also check the current block status here. 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. For reference, large DG systems are usually hosted on larger buildings or roofs, not residential properties. Keep in mind that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system outright (either with a cash purchase or a solar loan), and that you must have enough income for the tax credit to be meaningful (unless youre a tax-exempt entity, in which case you might be eligible for a direct payment). About - Illinois Shines 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. In Illinois, all applications to the ABP program must be submitted by an approved vendor, meaning you wont work directly with your utility to receive your SREC payments. These Incentives Are Limited! Block eligibility depends on a few factors: There are currently two groups associated with the ABP program Group A and Group B. For the latest info see our blog post. Federal and state incentives are offered to ComEd customers who choose to go solar. Home / Solar Energy Guide + FAQ / The 4 Biggest Benefits of Going Solar / Solar Rebates & Tax Incentives: What You Need to Know / Illinois Solar Incentives for 2023, Written by Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. Take Advantage of the Illinois SREC Program in Peoria IL Sun Collectors representatives understand you may have questions about the Illinois SREC program in Peoria IL. Eligible new solar systems installed in 2022 under the Illinois Shines program will be eligible to accrue SRECs for 15 years. (Same as System), Renewable Energy Credit (REC) or Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): The environmental attributes represented by 1 MWh of electricity generated by a renewable generator.