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Illinois Shines Distributed Generation.

Illinois Shines supports qualifying on-site solar projects through Renewable Energy Credit contracts submitted by Approved Vendors.

Offered byIllinois Power Agencyverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Homes, businesses, schools, and other property owners can participate through an Approved Vendor. The incentive is tied to the project's renewable energy credits and is not automatically a direct cash grant to the customer.

Best for: An Illinois property owner evaluating rooftop or ground-mounted solar for on-site electricity use.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Illinois customers pursuing an eligible on-site solar project through an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor

Eligible uses

  • Small distributed-generation solar up to 25 kW
  • Large distributed-generation solar above 25 kW within program limits

Application

How to start.

  1. Review Illinois Shines consumer information and project options.
  2. Compare proposals from Approved Vendors.
  3. Have the selected Approved Vendor submit the project to the program.

Timing: Project acceptance depends on current program-year requirements and category capacity.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • Customers do not submit projects directly.
  • Capacity, REC prices, prevailing-wage rules, and contract requirements vary by category and program year.

Coordinate Illinois Shines with utility rebates, tax credits, and financing through the Approved Vendor and tax advisors.

Evidence

Official sources.