Solar in Illinois: Why Experience Matters When Selecting a Provider

Have you thought about going solar in Illinois?

In the solar landscape of Illinois, choosing a provider with extensive experience is a game-changer. It’s not about fancy sales pitches, but about real-world knowledge that ensures a smooth solar journey. It’s a good idea to choose a solar installer with a strong track record that has a deep understanding of our state’s unique conditions, from navigating the Illinois Solar For All program to accounting for your specific situation.

This is where Stellar Solar comes in! We have been in business since 1998, and help every type of homeowner to go solar. We’ve done over 15,000 installations, from residential solar in densely packed cities, to ground mounts in rural locations. We even have strong commercial solar experience that has made us one of the strongest and most reputable solar companies in America.

At the end of the day, don’t take it from us. See what people have to say about us! Or take a look at what the industry publications are saying! In the July 2023 issue of Energy Business Review, Stellar Solar’s team was featured on the front cover! Our executive team, alongside solar evangelist Bill Walton, shared insights into how we are empowering homeowners to seize control of their energy future. If you’re contemplating making the switch to solar or are curious about the intricacies of the solar energy business, this industry piece is a must-read.

While harnessing the synergy between solar and battery storage, Stellar Solar helps homeowners optimize their solar investments. Our innovative approach enables customers to buy energy during off-peak hours when prices are low, and sell excess energy back to the grid when rates are high. This not only maximizes returns on investment but also contributes to a more sustainable energy ecosystem. The energy grid can rely on electricity from a diversified array of energy sources, while people don’t have to panic during blackouts or grid failure.

As of 2022, Illinois has held a prominent position in the U.S. solar landscape, ranking 17th in the nation for its total solar capacity. The solar installations across the state equate to an impressive output, capable of fulfilling the electricity needs of approximately 217,000 households. This showcases the growing significance of solar energy in the state’s power mix.

Illinois State Solar Incentives

Illinois has a strong commitment to renewable energy and is further fueled by an array of incentives and rebates, offering big financial benefits for Illinois residents. For starters, Illinois offers the Residential Clean Energy Credit, providing a tax reimbursement equal to 30% of the solar system’s cost.

Net metering is another crucial incentive, enabling solar customers to sell excess energy back to the grid and receive credits on their electric bills. Illinois mandates one-to-one net metering, ensuring customers receive the same rate for the electricity they contribute.

The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program empowers low-income residents and organizations to access solar energy at reduced costs through community solar initiatives or solar panel installations. This innovative initiative is facilitated by accredited vendors who are compensated with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), allowing them to offer substantial savings to homeowners.

Additionally, property tax exemptions exempt the added value of solar installations from increasing property tax burdens. Homeowners can apply for this exemption by filling out the State of Illinois PTAX-330 form. ComEd also offers a Distributed Generation Rebate, providing monetary incentives for solar system installation and energy storage device implementation. These rebates are structured based on kilowatt capacity, making a substantial difference in overall investment costs.

One federal incentive that you shouldn’t forget is the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which allows homeowners to claim a 30% credit on their federal taxes for solar installation costs. However, keep in mind that eligibility is contingent on ownership of the solar system (basically, no leases)!

Go Solar in Illinois

In a world where utility costs are constantly on the rise, harnessing the power of the sun and taking advantage of Illinois incentives can lead to significant savings and energy independence.

With Stellar Solar’s expertise, homeowners across Illinois can make the switch to solar and reap the benefits. Contact our team today and we’ll guide you through the options. We take a no-pressure approach and aim to help Illinois homeowners to see what their options are. Sometimes solar isn’t for everyone!

We’ll help you to see if solar is good for your situation, and see which incentives you can utilize on top of this. Reach us at 866.787.6527 or email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Solar Power in Illinois

Did you know that Illinois has a surprising amount of solar power incentives and rebates available? On top of Federal Incentives, Illinois offers several state incentives that can save you money!

There are options for most people across the state, from local initiatives to statewide programs. Stellar Solar is operating across the prairie state, and has many options for homeowners who want to take control of the energy future, particularly when utility costs are constantly rising!

Check out the six solar incentives in Illinois that you need to know about:

The Federal Solar Tax Credit

For residents of Illinois considering solar installation, it’s important to note that the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers significant financial benefits. This credit allows homeowners who own their solar systems outright or have purchased them through a loan to claim a credit equal to 30% of their solar installation costs on their federal taxes.

However, keep in mind that customers who choose to lease their system or opt for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) are not eligible, as these models imply third-party ownership. Furthermore, the Residential Clean Energy Credit, a federal tax incentive, provides a reimbursement amounting to 30% of the solar system’s cost. This translates into about $7,200 in potential tax savings based on the national average cost for an 8 kW solar array.

Net Metering in Illinois

Net metering provides solar customers with the opportunity to sell surplus energy generated by their solar systems back to the grid. In return, they receive credits on their electric bills, which can be utilized to offset future electricity consumption (during periods when their solar systems may not produce sufficient power).

In Illinois, 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5 requires utilities such as Commonwealth Edison, Ameren Illinois, and MidAmerican Energy to offer one-to-one net metering. Net metering enables residents and businesses with renewable energy generators, such as solar or wind systems, to sell excess electricity back to utilities. This applies to customers of ComEd, Ameren, and MidAmerican. Eligible generators (up to 2,000 kW) include solar, wind, crops for electricity, anaerobic digestion, fuel cells, microturbines, and hydroelectric energy.

The net metering law mandates one-to-one crediting, meaning you receive the same rate for the electricity you contribute as the rate you are charged. Illinois net metering allows for seamless integration of renewable energy systems, offering financial benefits through one-to-one crediting and credit rollovers.

Eligibility requirements vary by utility, but Stellar Solar helps our customers on everything they need to know about net metering, and we fill out an application on your behalf.

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program:

The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) initiative is a comprehensive suite of programs designed to empower low-income residents and support nonprofit organizations. Through ILFSA, qualifying low-income households are afforded the opportunity to engage with community solar initiatives or procure solar panel installations at substantially reduced costs. In other words, solar installations at affordable or zero upfront costs for income-eligible homeowners and organizations.

This innovative program is facilitated by strategic alliances with certified vendors who are compensated with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for their contributions. These accredited vendors are then able to market the RECs for financial gain, which enables them to extend significant savings to homeowners, effectively removing the barrier of initial investment and ensuring sustained reductions in energy expenses.

ILSFA’s offerings are categorized into three distinct programs:

Low-Income Distributed Generation
Low-Income Community Solar
Support for Nonprofit Institutions and Public Facilities

For more detailed information regarding program specifics and to check your eligibility, check out the official Illinois Solar for All website. Stellar Solar is not currently a vendor of this program but can nonetheless aid Michiganders of all income levels to https://stellarsolarmichigan.com/go solar in Michigan!

Illinois Shines Initiative

Illinois Shines incentivizes solar projects with the purchase of RECs from Distributed Generation projects. An approved vendor (solar installer) is the owner of these RECs. While Stellar Solar is currently not a vendor, we nonetheless can help people seeking to go solar.

Illinois is one of the few states to offer incentives for solar energy generation through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). This program garnered such interest that it previously exhausted its funds, leading to a temporary suspension of new applications until its revitalization in December 2021, thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act!

The workings of the program are:

For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) produced by their solar installations, homeowners are awarded an SREC.
These SRECs can then be traded to local electricity providers at prevailing market prices/rates.
Eligibility for the program requires partnering with an Illinois Shines-approved vendor.

Illinois utility companies are working towards fulfilling the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards, obliging them to source at least 40% of their electricity from renewable means by the year 2030. Purchasing SRECs from residential solar producers is a strategic method for these companies to meet the objectives.

Demand for participation in the Adjustable Block Program continues to be high, which has led to the creation of a waitlist system. For further details and to explore the possibility of joining the program, please refer to the official Illinois Shines website.

Property Tax Break Incentives

Installation of a solar system greatly increases the value of a home! However, the state of llinois does not want the added tax burden associated with rising property values to negatively influence a homeowners’ decision to go solar.

As such, ILCS 200/10-5, allows for a tax exception proportional to the value of renewable energy equipment. In short, installing solar doesn’t increase your tax burden! Homeowners wishing to take advantage of the exemption must simply fill out the State of Illinois PTAX-330.

This calculation can potentially lower the property’s tax burden. As an example, the financial benefit can amount to around $497 per year, although this can fluctuate depending on the property’s value, the cost of the solar installation, and specific local tax rates.

ComEd Distributed Generation Rebate

Commonwealth Edison Co., (also known as ComEd), offers an initiative to help customers adopt renewable energy with this incentive. The ComEd Distributed Generation Rebate program is designed to encourage its customers to invest in the installation of solar panels and energy storage devices by providing monetary rebates.

Regardless of the type of property you own, if you’re a ComEd customer you utilize these rebate initiatives which are structured based on kilowatt capacity. For eligible solar systems, ComEd clients can receive up to $300 per kilowatt of system capacity. This can make a significant difference in the overall investment required for installing a solar system.

In addition to the incentives for solar system installation, ComEd also encourages the implementation of energy storage devices which are critical for optimizing the use of solar energy. They offer a rebate of up to $300 per kilowatt of system capacity for eligible energy storage devices. These tools not only secure reliable energy for homeowners, but can also lessen your dependence on grid power.

Go Solar in Illinois with Stellar Solar

If you are looking to get a residential solar installation in Illinois, Stellar Solar is your best bet. We’ve been in business since 1998, and are one of America’s most trusted solar energy brands.

We have expertise in rooftop and ground mount solar installations, coupled with battery storage solutions for residences and businesses. With diverse backgrounds ranging from union surveyors to electrical engineers, we bring a wealth of insight into the work ethic that defines Illinois. We understand the intricacies and challenges of solar implementation across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

Our commitment to providing informed, pressure-free guidance ensures your satisfaction throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to installation, activation, and monitoring of your solar investment. Go solar in Illinois with Stellar Solar today!