A Renewable Energy Credit (“REC”) is a tradable, environmental asset that represents the clean attributes of solar electricity. (1 REC = 1,000 kWh) This opportunity is different than a net metering agreement with the utility where system owners are credited for excess generation. RECs are valued for the total energy production from an array and therefore represents the carbon or pollution avoided from the grid.  RECs are a way to track and monetize these environmental benefits and compensate owners for the countless benefits to Illinois. REC prices are determined through the Adjustable Block Program.

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) requires that procurement bids meet a minimum of 1MW of installed capacity. These can be single projects or bundled together to meet that threshold.  Small projects can work with 3rd party aggregators if they are not able to meet that guideline. ISEA recommends system owners work through their installer or contact the two preferred national companies listed below: Carbon Solutions Group or SRECTrade. 

Watch this helpful video on RECs from the Center for Resources Solutions for further explanation. Details from past DG procurement events including winning bid prices are listed on the IPA website.

Adjustable Block Program Pricing 

On September 15, 2021 Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) (CEJA). This Act included significant changes to the Adjustable Block/Illinois Shines program, including the reopening of the program within 90 days (December 14, 2021). The IPA and the Program Administrator are providing updates on these programmatic changes and the process of reopening the program as they develop.

The IPA website is regularly updated with new information about the ABP. For the current guidebook for the Adjustable Block program, please click here. REC prices can be found on page 180 of the Final 2022 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan released in August 2022.

PREFERRED AGGREGATION COMPANIES*

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