Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Shines (also known as the Adjustable Block Program) is a state-administered solar incentive program created to help develop new solar projects across Illinois. The program provides financial incentives through Renewable Energy Credit (REC) contracts to make solar more affordable for homeowners and businesses.

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is the state agency responsible for the program's management. Day-to-day administration is handled by Energy Solutions, Inc., the Program Administrator selected by the IPA.

The program was established by the Future Energy Jobs Act in December 2016 and took effect on June 1, 2017. It was significantly expanded by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in September 2021.

Illinois homeowners and businesses can participate through an Approved Vendor. You cannot apply directly to the program — you must work with a registered Approved Vendor who will handle the application process and ensure your system meets all requirements.

For residential projects (Small Distributed Generation), systems up to 25 kW AC qualify. Larger systems up to 5 MW AC can participate in other program categories. Your Approved Vendor will help determine the right category for your project.

Yes, only new photovoltaic equipment is eligible. The program is designed to encourage the development of new solar installations, not retrofits of used equipment.

An Approved Vendor is a solar company that has been formally vetted and registered with the Illinois Power Agency to participate in the program. Working with an Approved Vendor ensures you're protected by program consumer protections and that your installation meets all requirements.

Incentives are provided through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by your solar system over its first 15-20 years of operation. These payments are made through contracts between Illinois utilities and Approved Vendors, who then pass the savings to you.

RECs represent the environmental value of electricity generated from solar panels. One REC is issued for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity your system generates. Utilities purchase these RECs to meet their renewable energy obligations.

Incentive amounts vary based on your system size, location, and the current program year pricing. For residential systems (0-25 kW), REC prices range from approximately $57-$75 per REC depending on whether you're in Ameren or ComEd territory. Your Approved Vendor can provide a specific estimate.

Yes! Ameren and ComEd customers can receive up to $4,000 in utility rebates when adding battery storage to their solar system. This is separate from the Illinois Shines REC incentives and can significantly increase your total savings.

1) Contact an Approved Vendor for a free consultation. 2) The vendor designs a custom system for your home. 3) The vendor submits your project application to the program. 4) Once approved, professional installation takes place. 5) After inspection and utility approval, your system starts generating power and RECs.

The timeline varies, but typically includes: consultation and design (1-2 weeks), permitting and application (2-4 weeks), installation (1-3 days), and utility interconnection (2-4 weeks). Your Approved Vendor will provide a more specific timeline for your project.

Once your system is installed and passes inspection, it will be interconnected to the utility grid. Your Approved Vendor handles the Part II application verification, and once approved, you'll start generating RECs and receiving bill credits for the energy you produce.

The program has robust consumer protections including: mandatory disclosure forms explaining all costs and terms, a Consumer Protection Handbook that vendors must follow, complaint resolution processes, and the ability to verify any vendor's status on the public Approved Vendor list.

Before signing any contract, your Approved Vendor must provide you with a Standard Disclosure Form that clearly explains the system specifications, all costs, expected production, incentives, and your rights as a consumer. Review this carefully before proceeding.

The Program Administrator handles consumer complaints. You can file a complaint if your Approved Vendor fails to meet their obligations. Vendors who violate program requirements may face disciplinary action including suspension from the program.

Yes! The Program Administrator maintains a public list of Approved Vendors on the Illinois Shines website (illinoisshines.com). Always verify that the company you're working with is an active, registered Approved Vendor before signing any agreements.

Group A includes projects in Ameren Illinois and MidAmerican service territories. Group B includes projects in ComEd territory. REC pricing differs between groups, with Group B typically offering higher incentive values.

When annual capacity blocks fill up, new projects are placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted projects may be selected as capacity becomes available or when new program year capacity opens. Projects maintain their waitlist position even if they exit the utility interconnection queue temporarily.

The program includes equity provisions requiring that a percentage of the workforce on solar projects consists of 'equity eligible persons' — individuals from underserved communities or graduates of clean energy job training programs. This percentage increases from 10% in 2023 to 30% by 2030.

Visit illinoisshines.com for the complete Program Guidebook, Consumer Protection Handbook, current REC pricing, and the list of Approved Vendors. You can also contact the Program Administrator directly with questions.