Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) Solar projects serviced by Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican, Mt. This program is set to open up January, 30th 2019. Having trouble deciding? Now when a blocks capacity is filled, applications are placed on a waitlist until the next program year (if filled mid-year). It takes just a few minutes to apply for when youre filing your taxes, and it provides an average value of over $6,000 in the Prairie State, provided you have a tax liability that allows you to take the full credit. Of that 25 percent, six percent must come from solar. If you buy electricity from a Retail Electric Supplier (e.g., through municipal aggregation or an individual contract), you must contact the supplier to enroll in net metering. Welcome to the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) Energy Workforce Equity Portal The portal is an online source designed to help connect clean energy companies with Equity Eligible Persons looking to work in the clean energy sector in Illinois. It was discontinued in 2021, but then reinstated by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that same year. 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. NEW Illinois SREC Prices for 2022-2023 Program Year. With the passing of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, however, this 5% cap has been removed. That means your taxes wont increase just because you convert to solar energy. Renewable Energy Credit Prices for the Illinois Solar for All Program Community Solar Resources The state of Illinois has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that commits the state to produce 25 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025. The initial prices for most of northern Illinois are: Small systems: $72.97 per SREC (applies to systems smaller than 10 kilowatts AC) Large systems: $73.23 per SREC (applies to systems between 10 and 25 kilowatts AC) These prices will decline in "blocks" over time as more-and-more homeowners go solar. These customers will need to figure out net metering credits with that supplier. The Illinois SREC plus Federal Tax Credit makes solar very appealing. And, if you send more energy to the grid than we deliver, you can receive credits on your bill. Educational Videos The IPA and the Program Administrator are providing updates on these programmatic changes and the process of reopening the program as they develop. An SREC is a REC that specifically comes from a solar system. The Agency reserves the right to add additional categories of market activities as needed. If you are looking for information on a program serving low-income and environmental justice communities, please visit the Illinois Solar for All program site. This means you can sign up to demand management programs with utilities to help manage energy transfer to and from the grid. Solar Ambassadors Copyright 2023 LeafScore. The Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems means that you will be taxed as if the panels were not even there. 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. Does Illinois have a solar sales tax exemption? You may participate as a subscriber to a community solar projecta large, centralized solar project for which you subscribe to a share of its output. She is passionate about making clean energy more accessible to everyone and has worked in clean energy communications since graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelors in Business Administration. through their installer or contact the two preferred national companies All of CSG's ABP customers will be receiving the following documents in . This incentive structure is very similar to the Megawatt Block rebate available in New York State, as well as the SMART incentive in Massachusetts. Enrolling in net energy metering is, thankfully, a simple and straightforward process. RECs are a 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. If you are not a robot then please try again. Utilities are only required to issue SREC payments quarterly, so the time it takes to receive your check varies. The perks available are plentiful and highly beneficial, and the state is currently on track to meet its RPS goal. The program maintains a list of pre-approved vendors to ensure excellent workmanship and customer protection. The average cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels in Illinois is around $20,475 before any incentives or rebates are applied. Program Administrator: The IPAs subcontractor responsible for running day to day operations of the Adjustable Block Program. The price per REC in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Power Agency. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the piece of legislation that extended the federal credit and bumped up the credit rate. It provides an average potential value of $6,143 for Illinois residents, and it takes just a few minutes to file for. The payout of the credits is calculated based on the homeowner's system . These can be single projects or bundled together to meet that Contact us at. Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you. The good news is that Illinois is home to quite a few incentive programs that make PV equipment more affordable and maximize your long-term solar savings. 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 new SREC program continues to use the Adjustable Block format and the SREC price is set by block. General Program Information - Illinois Shines 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. Which Tax Incentives Are The Best In Illinois? Its worth mentioning that tax software like HR Block and TurboTax know about this incentive and typically ask you when you go to file if you installed renewable energy equipment. Usually, you can expect to receive your payment within a year of your systems completion. Illinois Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates 2023 | EnergySage SRECTrade | SREC Markets | Illinois | IL Federal and state incentives are offered to ComEd customers who choose to go solar. For instance, if you buy energy from ComEd at hourly prices, any net metering credits will also be based on the price of power at the time your array produces it and sends it to the grid. 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. Illinois SREC Program - YouTube Specifically, Section 10-10 of the Illinois Property Tax Code states that homeowners who install solar can file an alternate valuation of their home improvements with the chief county assessment officer. 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. FEJA established the incentive structure known as the Adjustable Block Program (ABP), also known as the Illinois Shines program. Please note this is an incentive which is subject to tax. Taxpayers can claim a Federal Income Tax Credit (FITC) of 30% for qualified expenditures on a solar system that provides electricity to their residence (owned and lived in by the taxpayer). 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. You wouldnt buy a car without comparing a few options first. Solar farms: what are they and how do they work? Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. In the past, the Illinois Power Authority (IPA) bought SRECs in procurement rounds. Homeowners would typically sell their SRECs through an aggregator who acts as a broker between property owners and the state. Is IL proposing increasing incentives for rooftop solar in the next 24 months? Energy Solutions has been designated the Program Administrator. Spots Are Already Being Taken By Illinois Homeowners. Utilities must offer retail rate net metering in Illinois, with the exception of cooperatives or municipalities. On September 15, 2021 Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) (CEJA). The highly popular and successful solar renewable energy credit incentive, or SREC program, will continue after a recent hiatus. The price drop between blocks is 4%. Summit Solar - Illinois If coming up with the initial capital a challenge, we offer great financing options to eliminate this concern. 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. 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. Solar Panel Cost in Illinois (2023 Local Savings Guide), Top 6 Best Solar Companies in Illinois (2023 Reviews). This means most homeowners with a 6 kW array could earn around $360-$750 each year for their SRECs in Illinois. The DG Project Developer must utilize an installer for the project who is certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Weve also unbiasedly ranked and reviewed hundreds of solar installers to empower you to make the right choice for your home. Homeowners get one SREC for. For your system, the value is 7.1 cents/kWh produced, which is paid in year one. Currently, the full retail rate for net energy metering in Illinois means the program will help reduce your panel payback period, maximize your long-term savings and help reduce your monthly electricity bills for the entire time your system produces electricity. Utility companies that need to meet the states RPS goals buy them to remain in compliance. Net Metering: A provision in an electric utilitys tariff that allows for crediting a customers bill for all or some of the production of a distributed generation or community solar facility which has been exported to the distribution grid. are valued for the total energy production from an array and therefore You can follow the steps below to ensure you get access to this outstanding benefit program. This could be your installer, a project developer, a broker, or an aggregator. The new guidelines are as follows: Claiming the federal tax credit in Illinois couldnt be much easier. Your payback time is greatly reduced. 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. It credits all solar customers for solar production, and those energy credits can then be sold for a profit. Lastly, each size range within a category corresponds to an SREC price. ILSFA-approved vendors are paid via the sales of the systems RECs. Still, we think this is an outstanding solar perk and well worth the time it takes to apply. Pricing & Incentives: Guide To Solar Panels In Illinois 2022 - Forbes Home Formore details on Net Metering, view our Frequently Asked Questions. For commercial customers, this is paid out over 5 years, and the REC value varies based on the size of the solar system. Business Memberships Large systems over 25.0 kW to 5,000 kW are paid out annually over 7 years. 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). solar calculator helps you assess your rooftop solar potential by combining your historical usage data with solar data in your area to provide a personalized evaluation for your property, including any rebates and credits. 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. 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. Illinois separates SREC price amounts into blocks, as each block fills up the price of the SRECs goes down in the next block. Solar for All is available for residential properties, non-profits and public facilities, and community solar projects that serve low-income customers. The credit was bumped up to $7,500 for some makes and models. About - Illinois Shines Provided you expect to owe around $1,200 or more each year in taxes for the next five years, you should be able to take the entire credit or close to it. Right now, there are no plans to make the net energy metering program less beneficial, but things could change without notice at any time. Are energy-efficient appliances worth it? On Sept. 15, 2021, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. For a personalized assessment of the credits and rebates you may qualify for, launch our
Ultimately, these Illinois solar incentives help stimulate development of new renewable energy resources. All excess energy is credited at the full retail rate, which is the best-case scenario. 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. Additionally, SRECs help bring a cleaner and diversified electrical power system to the state of Illinois. All rights reserved. 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). 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. How do solar incentives affect the cost of solar panels in Illinois? Lets assume this is your solar panel system and it generates six SRECs a year. As we mentioned above, the federal credit is the best solar perk available in IL, in our opinion. Copyright 2009-2023 EnergySage, Inc. SREC Calculator | The Acorn Group REC Procurements Like homeowners, small businesses and nonprofits can apply to the Illinois Shines program through an approved vendor. With these incentives in the works, its a great time to start evaluating your solar options. Please contact our Customer Care Center if you have questions. 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. Illinois Power Agency If you own your home array and can take advantage of the states robust SREC market, Illinois is a great place to go solar. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is, in our opinion, the most appealing incentive available in Illinois. Visit energyequity.illinois.gov to learn more. The block groups are divided into four main categories: Small Distributed Generation (DG), Large DG, Traditional Community Solar, Community-Driven Community Solar, and Public Schools.