The IL DCEO made the following announcement for the state rebate program today 9/9/13

The program guidelines and application will become available on this date at our website at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/01-RERP.htm.

 

All applications must be submitted, without exception, on these new forms for Fiscal Year 2014 and must be filled out completely and signed and dated by both the applicant and the installer/project manager. Any applications received under previous application forms will be rejected.

  Here are some key changes we are making to the rebate program from previous years:

• We have changed the system for considering rebate applications from first come first serve to random selection (Section 3.1 of new guidelines). We will accept applications until October 31, 2013. Applications will be assigned a number as they are received, and we will have a pre-selected list of random numbers that we will use as the order we will consider applications. We will keep moving down the list of applications based on the random numbers list until all rebate funds have been allocated. The remaining applications will be on our waiting list and will be considered (again, based on the random number list) as projects are cancelled or if additional funds become available.
  We are requiring that the application be submitted by the applicant. While the installer/developer may assist in filling out application and organizing the required documents, the application cannot be sent to us by the installer.
  We added language in section 2.6 to require any project that is completed after December 31, 2013 must be completed by a certified distributed energy installer (as will be required by ICC rules)

We have also made some changes to the incentives

• Will keep $10,000 as maximum rebate for residential, but increase it to $20,000 for businesses, and $30,000 for public sector/non-profits; lowered per watt incentive for businesses installing PV from $1.50 to $1.25 per watt (or 25% of cost, whichever is less)

• Changing incentives for wind energy projects – keeping it at $1.75 per watt if applicants install a SWCC (Small Wind Certification Council) certified turbine, but only a $1.00 per watt for turbines that are not SWCC certified

We have also added appendix C that provides a template for installer certification letter – this letter is required at the completion of a project.

We prefer that applications be submitted via email (ceo.rerp@illinois/gov), though we do also allow applications be sent through regular mail.  However, please do not submit both ways – we just need one copy of the application.  If you send applications by email, you will receive a response that your application has been received.  And again the application must be send by the rebate applicant.

We have allocated a minimum of $1.5 million to the rebate program this fiscal years, similar to what we have had available the last few years.

We have changed the system for considering rebate applications from first come first serve to random selection (Section 3.1 of new guidelines). We will accept applications until October 31, 2013. Applications will be assigned a number as they are received, and we will have a pre-selected list of random numbers that we will use as the order we will consider applications. We will keep moving down the list of applications based on the random numbers list until all rebate funds have been allocated. The remaining applications will be on our waiting list and will be considered (again, based on the random number list) as projects are cancelled or if additional funds become available.

We are requiring that the application be submitted by the applicant. While the installer/developer may assist in filling out application and organizing the required documents, the application cannot be sent to us by the installer.

We added language in section 2.6 to require any project that is completed after December 31, 2013 must be completed by a certified distributed energy installer (as will be required by ICC rules)

We prefer that applications be submitted via email at ceo.rerp@illinois.gov, though we do also allow applications be sent through regular mail.  However, please do not submit both ways – we just need one copy of the application.  If you send applications by email, you will receive a response that your application has been received.  And again the application must be send by the rebate applicant.

We have allocated a minimum of $1.5 million to the rebate program this fiscal years, similar to what we have had available the last few years.

PowerPackRFP2.pdf

The Illinois Solar Energy Association, in partnership with the City of Naperville, is pleased to announce a request for renewable energy certificates generated from Illinois grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems 10 kW or smaller.

The time period of usage covered by this solicitation is May 1, 2012 thru April 30, 2013 ONLY.

ISEA offers the Renewable Energy Certificate Aggregation Program (RECAP) to Illinois solar photovoltaic (PV) system owners, providing them with an opportunity to receive payment for their Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs).
 
The aggregated SRECs from RECAP supply the solar portion of the City of Naperville's Renewable Energy Program.  This partnership is the first market example of SREC transactions in Illinois. Prior to the RECAP program implementation, only large energy producers had the ability to sell their SRECs. This program was created in 2008 to provide revenue stream for small PV system owners and to support Illinois distributed generation solar development

To qualify for RECAP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active member with ISEA (Individual membership for a residential system, business membership for a commercial system)  Join Now
  
  
• Own and operate an Illinois grid-tied solar photovoltaic system with any utility in Illinois (must be net metered)
  
  
• System size must be 10 kW alternating current (AC) or smaller with a Level 1 or related interconnection
  
  
• Own SRECs and have not otherwise sold or delivered them to another party (No 3rd party SRECs accepted)
  
  
• Ability to monitor solar electricity production on a quarterly basis (1 application per member per year)
  
  
• System must be installed and operational before applying

All applicants are required to provide proof of system

RECAP is an annual program and requires a yearly application.  Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be cut off when the cap is met

Application for the RECAP program is a two step process.

1. Fill out the online Application.  This application is time/date stamped.
   
   
2. Once it has been determined how many SRECs are needed for the Naperville program, Green-e attestation forms will be requested from the applicants in the order that the initial application was received.

Please note: RECAP applicants accepted into the 2012-13 program will need to be able to complete all of the information on the Green-e Attestation form and have the required supplemental documents if this is the first time applying.

2012-13 SRECs will be purchased for $105.  Quantity of SRECs available for purchase will be announced in June.

This solicitation is only a proposal and no guarantee of purchase in any form is implied at this time.

For further information, please visit the RECAP page.

The City of Naperville's Renewable Energy Program cannot purchase all of SRECs from the current distributed generation projects in Illinois.  In addition, the Naperville program which has been in existence since 2005, is not guaranteed to remain in existence.

The real fix to having a viable distributed generation SREC market in Illinois is to get the state Renewable Portfolio Standard, which was implemented in 2007, working again!

The Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) - a policy that requires electricity retailers to provide a minimum percentage or quantity of their electricity supplies from renewable energy sources - is broken.

Take action to ensure that the Illinois RPS functions as originally intended.  Let your representatives know that you support SB103.


Due to municipal aggregation ComEd and Ameren are over purchased for both electricity and RECs. Consequently the Illinois Power Authority does not plan on procuring any renewable energy until 2018.

The RPS needs to be fixed so the distributed generation and the solar carve outs can be implemented to grow solar development in Illinois.

Take Action!

Take action to ensure that the Illinois RPS functions as originally intended.
Call your legislators today and let them know that you support the RPS fix.
It is easy, takes less than 5 min and you do not have to be a expert, just a constituent who would benefit from the fix.

Stand Up for Solar!

ISEA Solar Lobby Day was a great success!

The Illinois solar industry is banding together to educate our legislators on the importance of fixing our state Renewable Portfolio Standard.

When the RPS is functioning as originally intended, it will provide the funding and stability necessary for the development of local renewable energy, and generate a positive market resulting in new businesses and jobs in Illinois.

Ensure that lawmakers understand the impact this issue has on you, your business, family and future.

Make sure that your voice is heard!

Call your legislator and let them know that you support the RPS no cost fix!

Talking Points

The USDA on Friday, March 29th, released a funding notice for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for 2013. While the funding levels have diminished, the funding this year will help hundreds of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects around the country reach fruition.

REAP supports a broad range of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. With REAP farm energy includes energy efficiency, wind power, solar, hydroelectric and bioenergy of many sorts.

It’s important to note that the deadline for grants for feasibility study or project construction is April 30. This is a very tight turnaround – the shortest in the history of the REAP program. However, the timeline for loan guarantees is generous – a deadline of July 15, 2013.

Competition will be strong as overall funding available is now only $20.8 million. The USDA hopes to allocate one half each for grants and loan guarantees. If the USDA succeeds in using $10.4 million in funding for loan guarantees, the risk-adjusted level of loan guarantees would be $43.4 million.

The USDA has set aside $4.1 million to fund grants of $20,000 or less. This reflects the emphasis placed by Congress on small projects in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Feasibility study funding has been capped at $250,000 nationwide. The USDA provides no reason for this cap.

Interested parties should contact their state USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator. You can download the official funding notice here.

Since 2007, ISEA has purchased RECs from members with solar installations in Illinois and sold them into the City of Naperville Renewable Energy Program.

The Naperville Program was transitioned this year from being managed by Community Energy to the city staff. ISEA has been working with Naperville to educate them about RECAP and to solidify a continuation of our collaborative program.

Please be patient while we work out these communications. We will post and email any new information.

An application will be made available to members once a new contract with Naperville is secured.

Click here to learn more about RECAP.

Photovoltaic (solar electric) incentives

• $1.50/watt or 25% for homeowners and businesses
• $2.60/watt or 40% for nonprofits and public entities

Wind energy incentives

• $1.70/watt or 30% of project cost for homeowners and businesses
• $2.60/watt or 40% for non-profits and public entities

Solar thermal incentives

• <30% of project cost for homeowners and businesses
• 40% of project cost for non-profits and public entities

Maximum rebate for all solar and wind energy projects was lowered from $30,000 to $10,000.

At Solar Drinks last night the newly formed Clean Energy Illinois Political PAC announced their plan to fund election efforts for candidates that will not only support clean  energy legislation but CREATE growth and longevity. They explained the necessity for clean energy supporters to work collectively to ensure favorable policies are passed in the Illinois General Assembly through supporting candidates who make renewable energy a priority.

Jigar Shah delivered a motivating speech to 77 ISEA members and guests, inspiring them to prepare for major development in Illinois. Thank you to Jigar Shah, our Supporting Sponsors (Windy City Renewable, Learn Green, Green CPA, Angel Wind Energy, Schuco, Illinois Green Business Association, and Helios USA), our prize sponsors (Ora Dental Studio, SunTactics, and Shedd Aquarium), and our attendees for their support.

Jigar Shah delivered a motivating speech to 77 ISEA members and guests, inspiring them to prepare for major development in Illinois. Thank you to Jigar Shah, our Supporting Sponsors (Windy City Renewable, Learn Green, Green CPA, Angel Wind Energy, Schuco, Illinois Green Business Association, and Helios USA), our prize sponsors (Ora Dental Studio, SunTactics, and Shedd Aquarium), and our attendees for their support.