Community-Driven Community Solar Project, Illinois Shines | Photo credit: Energy Solutions

Illinois Shines is a state incentive program overseen by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) that supports the development of solar energy in Illinois. The program supports the development of on-site solar (Distributed Generation) as well as community solar projects. Illinois Shines makes going solar more affordable for residents and businesses across Illinois through valuable incentives. With valuable incentives, step-by-step guidance, robust consumer protections, and an emphasis on equity, Illinois Shines ensures everyone in Illinois can play a role in its clean energy future.

Statutorily known as the Adjustable Block Program, Illinois Shines was established alongside Illinois Solar for All by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), passed in 2016 by the Illinois legislature. In 2021, the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662), or CEJA, included significant expansion of the Illinois Shines program and incorporated policies to ensure an equitable transition to a clean energy future.

Projects supported by Illinois Shines contribute to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires the state’s electric utilities to obtain 40% of their electric power from renewable resources by 2030 and 50% by 2040, ultimately furthering the state’s clean energy goal of 100% by 2050.

For more information on the Program and how residents and businesses participate, visit IllinoisShines.com.

Public Schools Project, Illinois Shines | Photo credit: Energy Solutions