Welcome to the Illinois Solar Energy Association! The Illinois Solar Energy Association is a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of renewable energy through education and advocacy. As the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, we are the local resource for educational classes, events, renewable energy related policy developments, local news and access to local renewable energy vendors.
Visit the Events page to register for our next class or event.
Support ISEA by becoming a Member and receive a variety of benefits.
Visit our ISEA Blog and join our RSS to stay informed on renewable energy news and policy.
Rockford hits a Triple with Solar read full story )Up to 62 MW Rockford Solar Project announced Yesterday, at the Wanxiang Grand Opening of the newly built solar panel manufacturing plant in Rockford, Governor Quinn announced an over $4 million stimulus grant award for an up to 62 MW Rockford Solar Project. This would be the largest PV solar development in the Midwest and one of the largest in the US.read full press release )Governor Quinn to sign HB6202 & HB5429 at Wanxiang Grand Opening UPDATE: Read press release and view video . Tuesday, August 17, 2010. Governor Patrick Quinn will be present to sign House Bill 6202 and celebrate the grand opening of the Rockford Solar Panel plant.Time: 11:15 am Location: Wanxiang, 5985 Logistics Parkway, Rockford 61109 Since the address is brand new, it might not be found via internet. Please use our neighbor SPX Hydraulic Technologies (5885 11th Street,
Rockford, IL 61109-3650) as reference. Our Rockford building is on the west side of SPX. Public Discussion on Wind Energy Ordinance Thursday, August 12th Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N River St., Plan Commission Meeting, 7:00 pm City of Naperville Draft Renewable Energy Ordinance
The purpose of the Renewable Energy Ordinance is to provide regulations for safe, effective
and efficient development of renewable energy systems, such as wind
turbines and solar panels. The City of Naperville will accept written comments on the draft Renewable Energy Ordinance through
September 3, 2010 . Comments may be submitted via e-mail to Suzanne Thorsen at
thorsensu@naperville.il.us . A public hearing is scheduled before the Plan Commission on
September 15th at 7 pm in City Council Chambers at the Municipal Center (400 S Eagle Street).
Click here to view the draft ordinance. Illinois Inches Up in Installed PV in US In spite of a weak economy and incentive uncertainty, Illinois made some progress in photovoltaic installation growth in the US, according to a recent report published by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. In the IREC Solar Market Trends Report 2010, Illinois saw the installation of 1.7 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic systems in 2009, a big jump over 2008. This puts Illinois in 18th place of 2009 installations among US States and the District of Columbia, ahead of New Mexico and Delaware, but behind Wisconsin (the leading Midwest state in 2009) and Washington. The US installed over 441 MW of PV, with California leading the market, but gradually losing market share as other states' growth rates are higher. Illinois information on solar thermal for 2009 was not available in this report. PV Design and Installation Workshop - Rockford, IL For details and to register, please visit our events page . Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Encourage Investment in Renewable Energy Governor Pat Quinn today (July 14) signed legislation to encourage investment in Illinois’ renewable energy sector and further build the state’s green economy. The new laws extend property tax relief for wind farms and give local governments the authority to finance green projects in unincorporated areas of the state. (read full press release ) $125 Million awarded for Community-Based Job Training (more) Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL was awarded over $2.5 million American Solar Car Challenge Finishes in Naperville Congratulations to all of the teams that participated in the American
Solar Challenge. This is an amazing event and program that provides an
incredible opportunity for young men and women in engineering. Visit
the ASC website to learn more.
Northbrook Couple Revisit Solar with Passage of Homeowners' Solar Rights Act Click to watch the CBS 2 story . A Sunny Day for Solar in Illinois The Illinois General Assembly passed two bills on May 26th that will bring more than 3 million kilowatt hours of solar electricity to Illinois consumers by 2014! The Solar Ramp Up bill (HB 6202 ) sets annual targets for the amount of
solar power used in Illinois between 2012 and 2015, these targets give
industry a green light to invest in solar power, and create new jobs,
revenue and clean energy here in Illinois.
Illinois passed a landmark renewable energy standard in 2007 that
requires 25% of Illinois’ electricity be generated from renewable
sources by 2025. The law requires that at least 6% of the state’s
renewable energy come from solar power by 2015, but it didn’t provide a
path for Illinois utilities to meet that goal. HB 6202 establishes
those targets and sets Illinois on the path to becoming the leading
Midwestern state for solar energy.
.5% by 6/1/2012 1.5% by 6/1/2013 3% by 6/1/2014 6% by 6/1/2015
HB 5429 , the Homeowners’
Solar Rights Act. The legislation clarifies the rights of homeowners
living in homeowner or condominium associations to put solar panels on
the property and outlines a process for that to occur.
“This legislation removes barriers for many homeowners who want to
put solar panels on their roofs, but have been prevented from doing so
by outdated restrictions,” said State Representative Sara Feigenholtz
(D- Chicago), who sponsored HB 5429, the Homeowners’ Solar Rights Act,
in the Illinois House. “Now, Illinois homeowners who want to cut
pollution and their utility bills by installing solar panels will be
free to do so.” Courtesy of Environmental Law and Policy Center
Solar in Naperville Click here to read the full article. RECAP 2010 RECAP Application
RECAP 2009 Checks mailed Nineteen people participated in the ISEA REC Aggregation Program for 2009 receiving $65/MWh of solar electricity generated. Checks were mailed on April 19th. This program will continue to be available to ISEA members for 2010 solar RECs. A happy RECAP check recipient. This could be you in 2010! Join Vote Solar and ELPC to support two bills that will open the largest solar market in the Midwest. Illinois Senators and Reps need to hear from the solar industry that our promises of job creation and economic development are real. Two key Solar Bills SB3686 and SB1503 are the major focus. A document prepared by Vote Solar provides an informative summary. Policy page for updates, to learn more about solar policy and to find your Senators and Representatives. Heliographs - March Issue The latest issue of Heliographs
is now available to members by visiting the Member Communications
area. Interesting articles about changes for ISEA and what is happening with IL legislation. This is the conference to attend if you are in or interested in the solar industry. There will be over 100 conference sessions designed to help you begin or continue your professional education, plus a green career resource center, special events, workshops, tours and a trade show. The conference is held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mark Burger, ISEA President, will be participating in a round table discussion with energy, environment and government leaders about what's real and what's fantasy when it comes to keeping and creating jobs in Illinois' energy sector - and what can be done in Springfield to bring more energy jobs to our state. Environmental Lobby Day in Springfield - March 10th On March 10th, environmental advocates from across the state of Illinois will come together in Springfield to encourage their legislators to pass critical environmental legislation currently moving through the legislature. Lobby Day 2010 is sponsored by Illinois Environmental Council, Faith in Place, Environment Illinois, Sierra Club, and Protestants for the Common Good. SB 3686 & HB 6013 would extend the in-state preference for renewable energy and gradually ramp up the use of solar energy as a portion of the RES requirement between now and 2010, creating jobs immediately. ( more )
SB 3426 & HB 6202 would increase the size of renewable energy systems eligible for net metering at the retail rate up to 2MW, allowing commercial, industrial, and institutional players to receive full retail rate credit for the renewable energy they export to the grid. ( more ) Cast your Vote - Voting ends March 12, 2010 IL DCEO Solar and Wind Rebate Program - Out of Funding This program offered incentives up to 30% of total project costs for residential and business applicants, and 50% for public sector and non-profit entities with a maximum rebate of $50,000. this website in July, 2010 for information about the program for Fiscal Year 2011. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to learn of other available state and federal incentives.
Heliographs - New issue The January 2010 edition of Heliographs is now available to members by visiting the Member Communications area.
Sun Ovens for Haiti - An opportunity to give Sun Ovens International has been working in Haiti for the past 11 years. During that time the deforestation has increased and the need for an alternative to cooking with wood and charcoal has increased. The recent earthquake has intensified the need for solar cooking and water purification. Please send donation checks made payable to: Friends of Haiti Organization (Include a note that the donation is for the Sun Oven Project.) Friends of Haiti Organization (FOHO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so all donations are tax deductible. 100% of the donation will go directly to sending Sun Ovens to Haiti - no administrative expenses will be deducted. FOHO has been working in Haiti for 45 years and has sent over 1,400 Global Sun Ovens and 12 Village Sun Ovens to Haiti. Edward F Anixter Family Foundation Awards ISEA Grant The Illinois Solar Energy Association is pleased to receive a grant from the Edward F Anixter Family Foundation. This grant will be used to assist ISEA's mission of eduating and advocating solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy to the people of Illinois by helping to expand the Heliographs to bi-monthly (six issues a year) coverage as well as improve our education program. We thank Steven Anixter and JoAnn Anixter Silva for the generosity and also the ISEA Board for facilitating this assistance.
ICC Approves IPA Procurement Plan with Modifications Impacting Renewable Electricity The Illinois Commerce Commission today approved, with modifications, the Illinois Power Agency’s (IPA) plan to purchase electricity supply for residential and small commercial customers of ComEd and Ameren Illinois utilities.
The IPA is responsible for oversight of the purchase of electric power supply including renewable resources. The ICC’s decision complies with the 2007 law that created the Illinois Power Agency which allows the Commission to review and modify the IPA plan, if necessary. According to the law, the ICC must approve the plan “if the Commission determines that it will ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable electric service at the lowest total cost.”
The IPA filed its plan on September 30, outlining plans to purchase electricity for a five-year period beginning in June 2010. The plan includes purchase of supplies of renewable energy resources in order to meet the law’s requirement that five percent of the supply portfolio reflect renewable resources in 2010. On November 9, the IPA proposed supplemental recommendations, including plans to purchase a portion of renewable energy through long term contracts.
The Commission’s order allowed for the purchase of a portion of renewable energy through long term contracts, but called for the IPA to meet with all other interested parties, before the next procurement plan is filed, to work out concerns about a number of issues including the impact of long term renewable energy contracts on customer bills and on the continuing development of competitive markets for electricity in the state.
The price of electricity purchased through the IPA’s procurement in 2010 would be incorporated in rates beginning in June. ( Contact: Beth Bosch 217-782-5793 or Brian Sterling 312-814-6653) (From Illinois Commerce Commission Release December 28, 2009)
It Ain't Necessarily So - National Lab study finds no pattern of negative impact on residential property values by wind farms A report issued by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that residential property values are not negatively impacted by being located near wind farms. The study, released on December 2, 2009, looked at the sale of 7,500 residential properties over an 11 year period located from 800 feet to 10 miles at 24 wind farms in nine states, including one Illinois location in Lee County. The media release, link to the report and powerpoint presentation can be found here .
Committed ISEA Members Thank you to the ISEA members who attended the Membership Meeting on Saturday (Dec. 12th ) for showing your support and dedication to the Association by signing up to volunteer your time and talents to ISEA committees. For members interested in learning about or joining a committee, please contact Michelle Hickey . State of Illinois Announces New Rebate Program for Solar and Wind! The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO) announced today the opening of the Solar & Wind Energy Rebate Program. The rebates can total 30% for residential and business applicants and 50% for public sector and non-profit entities with a maximum of $50,000. Applications will be due April 30, 2010. For more information, go to the ILDCEO website .
Big PV System Going Up on Chicago's West Side While awaiting the installation of a 10 Megawatt system in Chicago's Pullman community on the Far South Side, a 725 kW system is going in on the West Side's South Austin community just south of the Eisenhower Expressway. This will be about seven times larger than the present largest PV system location in Illinois at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. The modules and racks are expected to be installed by the end of the year, with inverters delivered and interconnection completed by the Spring of 2010. The designer of the system is long time Solar Tour Guide advertiser and ISEA business supporter Greeley Hansen, Inc. (photos supplied by Stephen Palac, PE)
Congrats to "Smart" City of Naperville, Awarded US DOE Grant Update: The City of Naperville Council voted on December 7th , 2009 to accept and match the $11 million IL Department of Energy Smart Grid grant. Visit Naperville for more information.
ISEA Announces New Solicitation for Photovoltaic Renewable Energy Credits! The Illinois Solar Energy Association, in partnership with Community Energy Inc (CEI), is pleased to announce a request for 2009 generated renewable energy certificates from photovoltaic systems (PV RECs). Please visit the Resources page to learn more.
Thank You for participating in the 2009 Solar Tour Saturday, October 3!
It was our biggest tour yet with over 140 sites across Illinois. For details including tour news, locations, maps and Guidebook for download, explore the Solar Tour website .
Governor Quinn Signs School Wind and Solar Generator Financing Bill Into Law Governor Pat Quinn has signed the School Wind/Solar Generator Act, Senate Bill (SB) 1570 , sponsored by Senator Carole Pankau of Roselle (R-23). The legislation, now Public Act 96-0725, has authorization for low interest loans that could be used to finance studies and installations of solar and wind power systems on school district facilities and land. This authority permits the Illinois Finance Authority to facilitate loans for elementary, secondary and community college districts. PA 96-0275 was signed by the Governor on August 25, 2009. The legislation can be found at the Illinois General Assembly website at www.ilga.gov , keyword, "SB 1570".
Future Solar Set Aside in Illinois RPS Signed Into Law!
Governor Pat Quinn signed Illinois Senate Bill 2150 into law on August 10, 2009. The law, Public Act 096-0159, will enable solar photovoltaic electricity to be a 6% portion of the non-wind production of the Renewable Portfolio Standard in June, 2015. To read the act online, go to the Illinois General Assembly Website at SB 2150 . Plans are underway by various advocacy groups to provide a more immediate ramp up to develop the market and include other renewable energy technologies such as solar thermal and small-scale wind. For more information on this and related actions, contact Jeremy Jones of ISEA's Policy Committee at jjones@socoreenergy.com .
Recovery Act Announcement: Energy, Treasury Now Accepting
(From US Dept of Energy website)
Said Secretary Chu: "This program will play a major role in encouraging private sector capital to invest in clean energy development, creating new jobs that can't be outsourced. It is an investment that will continue to help our economy grow and ensure advancement in clean and renewable energy development."
"As we move quickly to get our economy back on track and to repair the financial system, we must make investments that lay the foundation for a stronger economic future," said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. "Too many renewable energy projects have stalled due to a lack of financing. The Recovery Act program will lead to investment in our long-term energy needs, move us towards energy independence, increase jobs at energy-specific businesses, and protect our environment."
The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project's cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The Energy Department will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications.
In previous years, the tax credit has been widely used. The rate of new renewable energy installations has fallen since the economic downturn began, as projects had a more difficult time obtaining financing. The Departments of the Treasury and Energy expect a fast acceleration of businesses applying for the direct cash payment in lieu of the tax credit, allowing for an immediate stimulus in local economies.
Earlier this year, Energy and Treasury held a stakeholder outreach conference call to assist companies in applying for the program. They also made available in advance the program's terms and conditions, guidance, and a sample application so that companies could prepare applications in advance of the launch of the web-based application, aimed at expediting the distribution of program funds to eligible businesses.
Companies interested in applying for the program can visit application submission page for more information.