RECs In addition to FEJA, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) significantly expanded the ABP Program in 2021. To learn about any incentives you may qualify for, launch our Large systems over 25.0 kW to 5,000 kW are paid out annually over 7 years. Solar for All is available for residential properties, non-profits and public facilities, and community solar projects that serve low-income customers. Otherwise, youre paying to produce energy for which the utility wont compensate you. However, CEJA altered the program from this cascading approach to an annual block approach. Part I: The initial application into the program which contains detailed information on the system and its location. Factor in a solid SREC market and the federal tax credit and some homeowners can quickly recoup nearly 50% of the cost of a home solar energy system. SREC Illinois - WGSI Solar One Illinois SREC equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy generated, or one megawatt (MWh). On Sept. 15, 2021, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. As such, it makes sense to try to shift your billing year to end just after your highest consumption months. If youre an Ameren Illinois customer with a Smart Inverter that meets eligibility requirements, you can apply for the rebate here. payments will be made (to clients)pursuant to the rules of the 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. Additionally, SRECs help bring a cleaner and diversified electrical power system to the state of Illinois. Net energy metering is the second-best perk available to Illinois homeowners, in our opinion. Distributed Generation (DG): A system which is located on-site, behind a customers meter, and used primarily to offset a single customers load; it cannot exceed 2,000 kW AC in size. 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 The average cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels in Illinois is around $20,475 before any incentives or rebates are applied. What Illinois Residents Need To Know About SRECs? The program maintains a list of pre-approved vendors to ensure excellent workmanship and customer protection. Solar House System Purchase >25 kW Sample Disclosure Form, https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/solar-photovoltaic-technology-basics. Its also wise in these situations to size your system just to meet your needs, then add panels later if your needs increase. Residential: 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. A s an example, if someone installs an 8kw sized solar system that produces 10,000 kWh of power annually, in Illinois, that customer would receive around $12,000. Learn more about the technology of photovoltaics from the US Department of Energy here: Consulting with an Approved Vendor is the best way to figure out if your home (either your roof or your property for ground mounted systems) would be a good fit for a solar system. You can, however, take a partial credit the first year and roll over any leftover credit for up to five years. 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. The quotes would include current incentives available in your area. 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. In Illinois, the credit averages out to $6,143. Is my home or property a good fit for a solar system? Block eligibility depends on a few factors: There are currently two groups associated with the ABP program Group A and Group B. Solar is hot in Illinois! Heres why: Illinois is one of just a few states that pay you to generate clean electricity from solar and wind renewable energy systems. 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. Ultimately, these Illinois solar incentives help stimulate development of new renewable energy resources. As a result, the federal credit is back up to 30% and got extended for ten years to 2034. 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. Dont forget about federal solar incentives! The highly popular and successful solar renewable energy credit incentive, or SREC program, will continue after a recent hiatus. SRECS Illinois 2022 | Sunpalenergy Solar in Illinois Since this exemption requires no action on your part and will save you a few thousand dollars over the life of your system, we think this is an outstanding solar benefit program. With the enactment of the Public Act 102-0662, the Illinois Power Agency is tasked with numerous crucial implementation activities. Illinois offers a property tax exemption for home solar installations. New customers should review the ABP Program Brochure for general program information. The Illinois SREC plus Federal Tax Credit makes solar very appealing. If you are deemed a qualified person as defined by Illinois Administrative Code 83 468.20, then yes! REC Procurements 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Learn More. Solar farms: what are they and how do they work? 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. Its possible that the future holds a less appealing avoided-cost rate for excess energy in Illinois or no compensation at all. We can educate you on all the current state rebates and credits around the red hot SREC program, exclusively available in Illinois. Phone. The Illinois Shines program is the state's equivalent of the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) programs and adjustable block programs in other states. The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) welcomes your questions and hopes you will take advantage of the information offered on our website. 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. Solar projects serviced by Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican, Mt. Illinoiss net metering rules used to allow utilities to stop offering net metering once they reached 5% of total peak demand in the previous year. Casey is an EnergySage writer covering solar, community solar, and sustainability. Municipal & County Resources kWh) This opportunity is different than a net metering agreement with Illinois Power Agency The program is made possible via the REC market in Illinois. are not able to meet that guideline. 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. What new incentives are there in Illinois following the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act? Below, well rank what we believe are the top three most crucial incentives to make sure you take as an Illinois solar customer. Across the country, NEM is one of the most beneficial incentives available for solar customers. Illinois Adjustable Block Program Overview - Carbon Solutions SREC Trading Part I approval results in an ICC approved contract with one of the distribution utilities. The tax exemption prevents the value of your solar panel system from contributing to your tax-assessed value. The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) requires that procurement bids meet a minimum of 1MW of installed capacity. Illinois SREC Program - YouTube 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). No, there are currently no plans for incentives to become less beneficial in Illinois in the next two years. Business Memberships If you are not a robot then please try again. 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. updated article on the cost of solar panels, solar renewable energy certificate (SREC), rebates for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, The Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems, See the complete list of top solar installers in Illinois. Rather than the old five-year SREC program, this new incentive structure lasts for 15 years worth of solar production. That system value is calculated using the cost of your panels, batteries and inverters, plus installation costs. Between the 30% federal tax credit and the SREC incentive, up to 50 to 60% of your solar system or more could be paid for from these two incentives alone. 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. Program Administrator: The IPAs subcontractor responsible for running day to day operations of the Adjustable Block Program. For small residential & commercial systems under 25 kW (AC) the SREC payment will occur in one payment. This Act included significant changes to the Adjustable Block/Illinois Shines program. 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. 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. Learn More about the IPA's implementation activities under CEJA. This could be your installer, a project developer, a broker, or an aggregator. 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. Some electric companies pay out two lump sums one at seven years and one at 15 years. Illinois Power Agency2022. The Illinois Power Agency determines the cost of the block price value. State Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Markets | US EPA How does the Illinois SREC program work? For more information, seeenergy.gov. Donate The library zone below is used to load resources. solar panel. I want solar! Learn More about the IPA's implementation activities under CEJA. 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. Newsletter Sign Up, News & Announcements Enter your zip code to find out what solar panels cost from installers near you. General Program Information - Illinois Shines On May 16, 2022, the IPA announced that it will start accepting new applications to sell SRECs on September 1st, having closed the program in July 2022. The first step towards earning SRECs is to shop for a solar panel system. 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. Please note this is an incentive which is subject to tax. Does Illinois have a solar sales tax exemption? This is a massive amount of money to put toward your system costs for minimal effort on your part. It provides an average potential value of $6,143 for Illinois residents, and it takes just a few minutes to file for. See solar prices from qualified, local companies. You wouldnt buy a car without comparing a few options first. The document titled "2022 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan" below provides information pertaining to the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) program. Additionally, the IRA provides increased credits for purchasing electric vehicles. RECs are a way to track and monetize these environmental benefits and compensate owners for the countless benefits to Illinois. All rights reserved. With these incentives in the works, its a great time to start evaluating your solar options. 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. Participants in the Solar for All program can expect no upfront costs to install solar, no ongoing costs (i.e., free maintenance), and fees that wont exceed 50% of the value of energy generated by the system. Massachssets:Solar Systems under 25 KWs can collect SRECs for 10 years. This incentive structure is very similar to the Megawatt Block rebate available in New York State, as well as the SMART incentive in Massachusetts. The IPA and the Program Administrator are providing updates on these programmatic changes and the process of reopening the program as they develop. 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. 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. Take Action to Restore Illinois SREC Funding in Springfield Participating in Illinois Shines means you play an important role in helping the State meet its renewable energy goals. Your payback time is greatly reduced. A list of Approved Vendors participating in Illinois Shines can be found. SREC Broker/Aggregator: An SREC Broker/Aggregator works with installers, companies, and individuals to submit projects for approval the Illinois Shines program. TheIllinois Solar for Allprogram helps low-income households install solar panels with no upfront costs. ATTENTION! The Illinois Shines program is the states equivalent of the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) programs and adjustable block programs in other states. The complete list of Illinois solar incentives and tax credits for 2023, plus how to take advantage. The state set a specific amount of installed solar (in megawatts, MW) and an associated SREC price for each block. It helps pay off your system more quickly and maximizes your long-term energy savings. Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. Best of all, the program takes no time to enroll in, as your installer will set up automatic credit sales for you. The credit was bumped up to $7,500 for some makes and models. Its possible that in 2025 when the state reaches its RPS goal, some incentives will be abandoned or changed for the worse. These payments to your Approved Vendor will help offset the cost of your new PV system or your community solar subscription. 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. 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. Illinois SREC Program Peoria IL I Sun Collectors Solar Panels For each megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity your solar system produces, you will be granted one SREC. Copyright 2009-2023 EnergySage, Inc. In addition to the federal and statewide solar perks mentioned above, there are two other local incentives that might be available to you, depending on where you live. Even if you arent quite ready to make your solar purchase, these Illinois solar rebates and incentives are sure to make the case for why solar is a smart decision in the Land of Lincoln. For solar energy customers, the April settlement date will likely make more sense than the October date. It credits all solar customers for solar production, and those energy credits can then be sold for a profit. For your system, the value is 7.1 cents/kWh produced, which is paid in year one. In our opinion, the federal credit is the best and most valuable incentive available in Illinois. Phase I of the portal was launched on January 31, 2023. 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. 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. 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. RECs may be sold to the utility for meeting the State's Renewable Portfolio Standards. See the cost of solar in IL cities and towns, Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you. With EnergySage, you can compare your solar options when you receive quotes from the best local solar installers near you. Speaking of Solar Blog, Homeowner Resources Mid-American also offers net metering and allows for a shorter than 12 months initial billing period. In addition to the 30 percent federal solar tax credit (aka investment tax credit or ITC) for solar system owners, Illinois residents can receive additional financial benefits through the states solar renewable energy credits (SREC) market. The ABP features capacity-based blocks set at predetermined prices for 15-year REC contracts. Owners of solar systems can generate SRECs from the energy their solar panels produce. Designee: Third-party (i.e., non-Approved Vendor) entities that have direct interaction with end-use customers. ISEA recommends system owners work The Federal Solar Tax Credit is still 26 percent for construction that started before Dec. 31, 2022. Thats because the summer months are usually the highest production months for home solar. 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. Aegis Construction Group is an Illinois state-approved solar energy system vendor. You can follow the steps below to ensure you get access to this outstanding benefit program. Approved Vendor Info - Illinois Shines That would mean less credit for each kWh you pass to the grid, which translates to fewer long-term savings. 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. We should also mention that the beneficial NEM program is subject to change, as it has in some other states across the country. While its an excellent opportunity for some Illinoisans to support the clean energy movement without laying out a ton of money, its not the most beneficial way to get solar. Solar panels harness the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. REC prices can be found on page 180 of theFinal 2022 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan released in August 2022. www.carbonsolutionsgroup.comToll free: (866) 499-1456Email: contact@carbonsolutionsgroup.com, SPECIALTYEnvironmental asset valuation, On September 15, 2021 Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662). A renewable energy certificate (REC) is a market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. The new SREC program continues to use the Adjustable Block format and the SREC price is set by block. Find out how affordable solar is for your home with our Solar Calculator, or simply register your property today to get quotes. Also known as a photovoltaic community renewable generation project.. 1,000 kWh of solar electricity = 1 MWh of solar electricity = 1 SREC. What You Need to Know About the Illinois Shines Program, What You Need to Know About the Illinois Solar for All Program, What You Need to Know About the Solar Property Tax Exemption in Illinois. Under Illinois law, one SREC is credited for each 1,000 kilowatt hours (or one megawatt) or power created and fed back into the grid. This program allows you to make full use of your own solar energy system, giving you more control over your energy costs. 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. 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. Programand via direct deposit (ACH) to a bankaccount of their choice. Failure to enroll or re-enroll may significantly impact the value you receive from your PV system. Illinois Shines SREC Program Gets New Funds for 2022 - Zenernet 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. Utilities must offer retail rate net metering in Illinois, with the exception of cooperatives or municipalities. This is because the utility uses either April or October as the annual billing period end. If you own your home array and can take advantage of the states robust SREC market, Illinois is a great place to go solar. For a personalized assessment of the credits and rebates you may qualify for, launch our All Rights Reserved. Whats The Near-Term Outlook For More Incentives In Illinois? Illinois separates SREC price amounts into blocks, as each block fills up the price of the SRECs goes down in the next block. Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time Vegan. Find out what solar costs in your area in 2023, 2023 expert guide to solar panels for homes. 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. 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). SRECTrade | SREC Markets | Illinois | IL These customers will need to figure out net metering credits with that supplier. Energy Solutions has been designated the Program Administrator. 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. Click here to access the Programs Community Solar Brochure. If you buy electricity from your utility (e.g., basic service or hourly pricing), you must contact the utility to enroll in net metering. Want to know more about the Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program? The current block rate for systems under 25kW is $75.29, but it won't be for long! The idea is to boost Illinois solar investments by increasing their monetary value in addition to offering savings on electricity bills. Illinois Solar Industry Data, RPS Legislation Solar Ambassadors For the current guidebook for the Adjustable Block program, please click here. Although this is around 10% lower than the national average of $23,940, its still a massive price tag to convert to renewable energy and one that many Illinois property owners cannot afford. Its offered by the federal government, and it provides a massive credit to your income tax burden in the amount of 30% of your total system value. Solar Surge Expected as SREC Incentive is Back! New - Central Illinois Like homeowners, small businesses and nonprofits can apply to the Illinois Shines program through an approved vendor. Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. Solar Professional Resources ComEd's 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. Events 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. The IPA (Illinois Power Authority) has in the past bought SRECs in "procurement rounds". The solar perks in Illinois can collectively bring the cost of solar conversion down by thousands of dollars, making going solar far more accessible and affordable to residents in the state. Utilities are only required to issue SREC payments quarterly, so the time it takes to receive your check varies. through their installer or contact the two preferred national companies Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers one of the best net metering programs in Illinois. There are many opportunities to help you offset the out-of-pocket costs to install a solar generating system. Like other solar tax credits, with the ITC you can deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your federal taxes. It does not appear on display pages. Considering solar can add around 4% to the average home, this could save you a lot in property taxes. Solar Panel Installation | Highland & Springfield, IL & Layton, UT Renew Your Membership The Illinois SREC program could potentially cover 20% to 40% of your total solar investment for residential and business applications! The new SREC incentive will start at Block 5 or 4% lower than the last block. Site maintained byEnergy SolutionsAll Rights Reserved. *Companies intend to be available for all procurement events. Individualized client accountsto report production and track SREC transactions, Residential and Commercial System Owners CorporateResidential & Small Commercial Developers, PAYMENT OPTIONSSREC This gives you a chance to use up any remaining credits for the year. 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. The DG Project Developer must utilize an installer for the project who is certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Wall-Mounted Solar Awnings & Solar Patios, Interconnection & Netmetering Considerations, Small Distributed Generation (DG) from 0 to 25 kW (AC), Large Distributed Generation (DG) from >25 kW up to 2,000 kW (AC). Ethics Reporting Associated with Communications with the IPA provides more information. Office. Read our updated article on the cost of solar panels to compare solar costs across states and by panel brand. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is, in our opinion, the most appealing incentive available in Illinois.