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Small & Emerging Business Hub
Illinois Solar Incentive Programs
New to the Solar Energy Landscape?
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.
Ready to Apply?
While a small and emerging business may find it difficult to play the role of an Approved Vendor, a small business may consider instead becoming a Designee which partners with an Aggregator Approved Vendor (AAV). The Aggregator develops relationships with one or more Designees who may play various roles on a solar project: solar system installation, solar service marketing, lead generation, and solar sales, for example. To learn more, read the Small and Emerging Business Guide.
Resources
Renewable Energy Credits
On this page you will find:
- What are Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)?
- How are RECs used as incentives in Illinois’ solar programs
Promoting Equity in the
Clean Energy Economy
On this page you will find:
- Qualifications to become Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) in Illinois Shines program
- Qualifications and benefits to becoming EECs
- Advance of Capital
Illinois Support Services &
Mentorship Program
On this page you will find information on:
- Mentorship Program
- Support Services Designed for AVs and Designees participating in Shines
Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Small and
Emerging Businesses
On this page you will find information on:
- Webinars and trainings for small and emerging businesses pertaining to ILSFA.
- Support services designed for AVs and Designees participating in ILSFA.
Other Clean Energy Resources
On this page you will find information on:
- Clean energy resources that are of interests to small and emerging businesses.
Need assistance or have questions?
For assistance or questions on the Illinois Shines program, contact Program Administrator (Energy Solutions) at admin@illinoisshines.com
For assistance or questions on the Illinois Solar for All program, contact Program Administrator (Elevate) at info@illinoisSFA.com