The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is here to help! The Small and Emerging Business Guide walks solar companies through the step-by-step process of becoming an Approved Vendor (solar companies directly participating in the IPA’s renewable energy programs) or Designee (customer-facing solar sub-contractors involved with the IPA’s renewable energy programs) with Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA), the state’s solar incentive programs.

This Guide is intended to help both prospective business owners and small businesses navigate the solar energy landscape in Illinois by providing essential information on business certification, market participation, and incentive program qualification requirements.

Small and emerging businesses may participate in one or both Illinois solar programs. Both programs reduce costs for solar installations through incentives, support a diverse and inclusive workforce, offer consumer protections, vet and approve Approved Vendors, and support community solar projects, enabling residents and businesses to access the benefits of solar energy even if they cannot install solar panels on their properties. These programs are overseen by Program Administrators (as agents of the IPA).

Participation in the Illinois Shines Program and ILSFA is facilitated through Approved Vendors (AVs) who ensure compliance with program requirements. AVs are the contractual counterparties with the IPA or an Illinois electric utility and receive incentive payments for RECs generated by the installed solar projects. To become an AV with either incentive program, companies must first register with the Illinois Shines Program. Becoming a registered AV allows a company to legally market its solar services to a broader customer base that would otherwise be inaccessible. The programs mandate customer protections that lend legitimacy to an AV’s solar offer and help establish trust with potential clients.