DCEO - Solar Energy Incentive Program

August 31, 2009

Summary

Note: This program is currently closed due to lack of funding. The program is expected to resume in July 2009 (FY 2010), although terms of the program have not been published and there may be changes. This record and summary is based on the FY 2009 program. Check back periodically for updates. The Illinois Solar Energy Incentive Program provides funding for the purchase and installation of certain types of solar-energy system. Grants are available to residents, businesses, state and local government entities, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Eligible technologies include solar thermal systems that collect and transfer heat for space, water heating, and/or electric generation; photovoltaic (PV) systems on buildings that register for and achieve a LEED Silver or higher rating; and innovative PV systems including but not limited to building integrated or highly efficient designs. Projects must have a minimum cost of at least $50,000 in order to be eligible for an award. The program incentives are listed below by technology. It is important to note that the listed values act as an an upper limit of possible support rather than a guarantee of a specific award.

Solar Thermal: Up to 30% of project cost

LEED PV: Up to $3.00 per DC Watt

Innovative PV: Up to $3.25 per DC Watt The maximum grant for an individual project is $250,000 regardless of the technology employed. Project applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis through May 1, 2009, subject to funding availability. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) reserves the right to review applications and negotiate lower grant amounts, or conversely, waive the maximum incentive limitation in cases where such a waiver is appropriate for the purposes of the Renewable Energy Resources Program. System installers must be licensed to transact business in Illinois and maintain "appropriate types and levels of insurance coverage." Solar-thermal water-heating systems and solar-thermal space-heating systems must be approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable organization. Should sufficient funding be available the Department may entertain applications for other types of environmentally preferable renewable energy such as fuel cells, hydropower, and wind energy. This program does not provide funding for the installation of renewable energy equipment at single-family residences. An applicant must be a customer within the service area of a utility that imposes the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge as defined in 20 ILCS 687/6-5. Participating utilities are listed on the application available at the program website.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Illinois
Incentive Type:	Grant Program
Web Site:	http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/02-solar+Energy+Incentive+Program.htm
Administrator:	Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Solar Space Heat Solar Thermal Electric Solar Photovoltaics Solar Pool Heating
Incentive Amount:	Solar Thermal: Up to 30% of project cost LEED PV: Up to $3.00 per DC Watt Innovative PV: Up to $3.25 per DC Watt
Maximum Incentive:	$250,000
Equipment Requirements:	Solar-thermal water-heating and space-heating systems must be approved by the SRCC or a comparable certification organization; Systems must have a total cost of at least $50,000
Installation Requirements:	Installers must be licensed to transact business in Illinois and maintain "appropriate types and levels of insurance coverage"

Authorities

Name:	Â§ 20 ILCS 687/6-3
Expiration Date:	05/01/2009 (current solicitation)

Contact

Name:	Wayne Hartel
Organization:	Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Address:	620 East Adams Street Springfield IL 62704
Phone:	(217) 785-3420
Email:	wayne.hartel@illinois.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.