Last DSIRE Review: 02/16/2010
Program Overview:
| State: |
Illinois |
| Incentive Type: |
State Rebate Program |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Solar Pool Heating |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government, Fed. Government, Associations |
| Amount: | NOTE: Funding for FY 2010 has been fully allocated; no additional rebates are available.
Residential and commercial: 30%
Non-profit and Public: 50% |
| Maximum Incentive: | $50,000 |
| Eligible System Size: | PV systems: rated design capacity of at least 1 kW;
Solar-thermal systems: designed to produce at least 50,000 Btus per day or contain at least 60 sq. ft. of collectors
Wind: name-plate capacity 1-100 kW |
| Equipment Requirements: | PV systems must be UL-listed or have completed at least one year of field testing;
Solar-thermal systems must be approved by the SRCC or a comparable organization
Small wind systems: no specific equipment requirements listed. |
| Installation Requirements: | Small wind systems: Must be mounted on a tower at least 60 ft in height, 30 ft above any natural features or structures within 300 feet of installation, on a parcel of land 1 acre or greater, and must be installed in location suitable for wind generation. Other wind turbines not meeting these criteria may be considered at the Department's discretion and depending on funding. |
| Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: | Remains with customer/producer |
| Funding Source: | Illinois Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund |
| Program Budget: | $1.3 M (FY 09) |
| Program Start Date: | 12/16/1997 |
| Program Expiration Date: | 02/2010 (current round) |
| Web Site: |
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Ene...
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Date Effective: 12/16/1997 |
Summary:
NOTE: Due to exceptional response to the solar and wind rebate program this year, funding for fiscal year (FY) 2010 has been fully allocated. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is no longer accepting applications. The summary provided below is for reference only, as additional funding is likely for FY 2011. Check this website in July 2010 for updated information.
The Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) promotes the development of renewable energy in Illinois. This program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund -- the state's public benefits fund -- and is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Rebates are available for solar and wind energy systems installed in Illinois after January 1, 2009. The DCEO offers rebates of up to 30% for residential and commercial systems (equipment and installation) and up to 50% for non-profit and government installations, with a maximum individual award of $50,000.
The program is open to customers of an investor-owned electric or gas utility, and to customers of a municipal or gas electric utility or electric cooperative that imposes the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge. (A list of participating utilities appears in the program guidelines, available on the program web site.) Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, associations, public and private schools, colleges and universities, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations. Rebates are available to applicants that contribute a minimum of 25% of the total project cost (personal private investment or in coordination with financial partners). They may utilize funds from other incentive programs as long as the total incentive from other programs plus this rebate do not exceed 75% of the project cost (this includes the Federal ITC).
Photovoltaic (PV) systems must either be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or have successfully completed at least one year of field testing. PV systems must have a rated design capacity of at least 1 kilowatt (kW). Solar-thermal systems must be approved by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable organization, and must be designed to produce at least 50,000 Btus per day or contain at least 60 square feet of collectors. Solar pool-heating systems are eligible for funding only if the pool is open to the general public on a regular basis. With respect to expansions to existing solar-energy systems, only those costs directly related to new panels (equipment and installation) are eligible for funding. Costs associated with new pumps, storage or any other balance-of-system components for expansion projects -– except for new panels –- are ineligible.
Wind energy systems must be installed on a land parcel of 1 acre or more, on a tower 60 feet tall (or taller) and at least 30 feet above any structures or natural features within 300 feet. Applicants must also submit documentation that their wind resource at the project site is suitable for wind generation (see the application for details). DCEO may consider urban turbines or other innovative design systems, depending on funding. All systems must be installed by a licensed, bonded and insured professional. Although, homeowners may self-install systems, but only the equipment costs will be eligible for the rebate.
Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit applications to reserve funding BEFORE making a financial investment. If eligible, DCEO will issue a "Notice to Proceed" letter and funding will be reserved for 120 days from the date of the application. Applicants then have 120 days to complete installation and submit required documentation, including a notification of project completion letter.
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