Illinois Solar Energy Rebate

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) manages the Illinois Solar Energy Rebate Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage implementation and utilization of renewable energy in the state of Illinois.

The amount of any individual solar energy rebate is 30% of eligible project costs, but it shall not exceed $10,000. Funding for this rebate program comes from the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund. Funding levels are determined each fiscal year by the Department.

Rebate Eligibility: (Applicants must meet all criteria)

  • Applicants must be a customer of an investor-owned electric or gas utility or a customer of amunicipal gas or electric utility or electric cooperative.
  • The solar energy system must be installed within the boundaries of the state of Illinois.
  • Eligible applicants include any type of entity including individuals, for-profit businesses,associations, public and private schools, colleges and universities, and not-for-profitorganizations located within the state of Illinois.
  • The application must be for solar energy equipment consistent with the following categories (1) or (2). All other types of energy generation systems are ineligible.
    1. Any NEW photovoltaic power system that is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed or has successfully completed at least one year of field testing and has a rated design capacity in excess of 800 watts.
    2. Any NEW solar thermal system that has been approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable organization and is designed to produce a minimum of 50,000 Btus per day, or equivalent, or contains at least 60 square feet of collectors. In the case of solar thermal systems installed for swimming pools, the pool must be open to the general public on a regular basis to be eligible for funding.
  • Applicants may receive only one rebate per renewable energy system.
  • Costs associated with the repair and/or replacement of parts for existing solar energy systems are not eligible.
  • Costs associated with the expansion of an existing system: Only those costs associated with the expansion of an existing system that are directly related to new panels (equipment and installation) are eligible. Costs associated with new pumps, storage, or any other balance-ofsystem components for expansion projects, except for new panels, are ineligible.
  • Eligible applicants may also utilize federal solar energy tax credits (and are encouraged to do so). However, applications are ineligible if they receive in excess of 30% of total project costs from any private foundation in direct support for the solar energy system.
  • The application must be for solar energy systems purchased and/or installed after January 1, 2005.
  • All solar energy systems, except those constructed by the homeowner, must be installed by a licensed, bonded, and insured professional.
  • Projects with total costs exceeding $50,000 are ineligible.

Rebate applications under the program will be accepted on an ongoing basis until April 30, 2007. Rebate program guidelines are reviewed and/or revised by the Department prior to the beginning of each fiscal year. The Department is under no obligation to consider for funding any rebate application received after the April 30, 2007 deadline.

Rebate Application