The Types of Illinois Solar Programs

Share this Article:

If you’re a homeowner in Illinois and haven’t switched to solar yet, you really need to start considering it. Specifically because of the state-wide solar incentives exclusive to Illinois homeowners and renters.

Solar panels and home solar systems are cheaper than ever before; combine that with the 30% federal solar tax credit and other Illinois solar programs, and you can see how solar starts to pay for itself relatively quick. Here are just some ways to get massive discounts on solar panels (or other solar systems) while producing good, clean energy for life.

 

 

The State of Solar in Illinois

 

Thanks to Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standards, the state must produce 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. It’s now offering several solar incentives to support this goal, ranging from subscription programs to tax rebates.

 

IL state seal

 

 

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

 

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) ultimately impacts solar owners in terms of costs. If you install a solar system before the end of 2032, you’ll get a 30% federal tax credit of the cost of your solar panel system. That’s 30% off the entire cost of the system, including system equipment, labor and permitting.

Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.

The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.

 

 

Illinois Shines Program

 

The Illinois Shines adjustable block solar grant program does give cash upfront to your solar installer when you switch to solar. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, it can actually pay for a significant portion of your system, if not for all of it. This would be best for an average 6-kilowatt solar system setup.

As an example, an average 6 kW home solar system cranks out about 110 SRECs over 15 years, netting a grant amount of about $6,600.

To become eligible, you’ll need to sign over your SREC rights to an approved vendor.

 

 

IL Shines logo

 

 

Illinois Solar for All Program (ILSFA)

 

This program is best for low-income households who might not otherwise be able to afford residential solar. It offers two main options: Community Solar projects and Distributed Generation projects.

The Community Solar program allows renters that make 80% or less of the median income to subscribe to an offsite solar energy system and receive the credit on their electric bill.

The Distributed Generation program allows low-income households and building owners to install ground or rooftop mounted solar panels. These entities must also be under the 80% median income, and will receive credits on their energy bill.

 

 

 

IL solar for all logo

 

 

 

Illinois Property Tax Exemptions

 

Under a special assessment status, installing solar panels in Illinois increases your property value. You’d ordinarily be taxed on this increase, but the state of Illinois will waive the increased property tax on your state return.

To qualify, you’ll need to file the State of Illinois PTAX-330 property tax form with your local country assessor.

 

 

Illinois Net Metering

 

You don’t need to sign with a solar incentive program to take advantage of these benefits. Utility companies are offering net metering programs that provide energy credits for any power surplus. You’ll have to register with your utility company, establish an interconnection with the power grid, and ensure a bi-directional meter to track your outgoing electricity.

The only drawback is that your credits do expire at the end of every annual period. They revert back to the utility without compensation, so you should make sure your solar production isn’t too generous during the year.

Note: The state of Illinois is deciding whether it should change its net metering policies. You can always Check here for updates.

 

 

Ready to Get Qualified?

 

There are many more options to get solar and reduce costs. Both renters and homeowners in Illinois can participate in these programs and gain the profit of utilizing good, clean energy.

We recommend you sign with Phoenix Exteriors due to its dedicated solar consults and workmanship guarantee. Phoenix serves 6 states across the nation, and is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois as Chicago’s central solar roofing hub.

Book a solar appointment with Phoenix here.

Get a free solar estimate here.

 

 

 

Resources:

 

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/solar-alternative-energy

https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/illinois

ecowatch.com/solar

Recent Posts

Get in touch

Boosting the Look and Value of Your Home is Easier than You Think

solar panel install

Interested?

We bring 20 years of experience experience into every conversation. Get in touch with Phoenix for advice from experts on how you can make the most of a home renovation.

We will not sell your information or spam you in any way.

Solar Consultation

Not a sales call.

Our solar experts have over 20 years of solar experience are here to make sure you’re as informed as possible to make the decision that is right for you and your home.

Solar Consultation

We won’t sell your information or spam you in anyway.

James Hardie Siding Consultation

Not a sales call.

Our siding experts have over 20 years of experience and are here to make sure you’re as informed as possible to make the decision that is right for you and your home.

Siding Consultation

We won’t sell your information or spam you in anyway.

Roofing Consultation

Not a sales call.

Our roofing experts have over 20 years of roofing experience are here to make sure you’re as informed as possible to make the decision that is right for you and your home.

Roofing Consultation

We won’t sell your information or spam you in anyway.