ISEA Blog

As the fifth largest producer and consumer of electricity, Illinois is not living up to its sun-harnessing potential. The state is seriously behind on solar energy, the Illinois Environmental Council says, especially when compared to other large states.

“We have solar development on both coasts, but the Midwest, in many ways, is lagging behind,” says Barry Matchett, a legislative director at the Illinois Environmental Law and Policy Center. [MORE]

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.

Due to the overwhelming response to the solar and wind energy rebate program, no more funding remains for this fiscal year.  DCEO is no longer accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2010.  Please check this website in July, 2010 for information about the program for Fiscal Year 2011.

Please refer to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to learn of other state and federal incentives.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a bill aimed at getting 10 million new solar rooftop systems and 200,000 new solar hot water heating systems installed in the U.S. in the next ten years.

Cleverly titled the “10 Million Solar Roofs & 10 Million Gallons of Solar Hot Water Act” (PDF), it would provide rebates that cover up to half the cost of new systems, along the lines of incentive programs in California and New Jersey (not coincidentally, Nos. 1 and 2 in installed solar in the U.S.). It also includes measures to insure that those who receive assistance get information on how to make their buildings more energy efficient. (more)

Fact Sheet

Joe Esmonde, renewable energy political liaison for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Portland, said trained workers are available to rewire buildings and hook up solar panels and wind turbines. "A lot of growth could be done if the market had the right signals" that would come with passing climate change legislation, he said. (more)

The Windy City is sure living up to its name! A wind-powered electric vehicle charging station was recently installed in Chicago. (more)

What began as a simple request to amend Peoria County's travel policy to suggest the use of "green" hotels has expanded.

County officials now are looking at such topics as "green" buildings and "green" vehicle fleets.

Peoria County Board members are considering the scope of a plan aimed at preserving resources for future generations and saving money.

MORE

Illinois is an interesting case study for renewable portfolio standards for many reasons. First, the state has a 25% by 2025 Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) with 75% carve-out for wind. (more)

As an owner of one of the leading wind-power development companies in Illinois, I have seen many rants against renewable energy, both oral and written, but none as surprisingly misinformed as "Problems with wind power" (Voice of the People, Jan. 8) by Dan Miller, publisher, the Heartland Institute, Chicago, and former chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission. more

Inspectors find code books don't address new technology

Just before the first snow fell, Harry Ruetschlin climbed up on his garage roof and mounted 12 flexible panels, becoming one of the first residents in his northwest suburb to take the solar plunge.[MORE]
 

BELLEVILLE – January 14, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $1.7 million state grant for the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network (ICCSN) to expand green educational and training offerings throughout Illinois’ community college network. Part of the funding will be used to establish Green Jobs Centers at three Illinois campuses, including Southwestern Illinois College’s (SWIC) Belleville Campus.[MORE]