Illinois Solar Energy Association News & Announcements

Illinois Clean Ports Program Request for Proposals Now Open

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:39:33 GMT

As part of the Illinois Clean Ports Program, the Illinois International Port District has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure Solar Panels and Battery Energy Storage Systems at the port in Chicago.

The Illinois Clean Ports Program is funding zero-emission equipment and infrastructure at water ports across Illinois.

For more information, see here: https://www.iipd.com/doing-business

Illinois EPA Announces $7 Million Funding Opportunity Available for Resilience Projects at Wastewater Treatment Plants

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:11:20 GMT

Springfield – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy is offering $7,000,000 in grant funding to strengthen energy resilience at publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Through the Resilient Energy for Wastewater Infrastructure (REWI) Grant Program, communities can access funding to assess energy vulnerabilities and implement solar energy systems paired with battery storage. Individual awards will range from $200,000 to $2,000,000, with a match requirement of 25% or 50% based on population served and geographic location. The application period will close April 30, 2026.

“Resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring community stability.” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “The REWI Grant Program enhances system reliability by directly addressing emerging risks from severe weather, aging infrastructure, and cyber threats.”

The REWI Grant Program leverages U.S. Department of Energy Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to support Illinois’ critical infrastructure. Applications will be scored competitively based on project feasibility and readiness, resiliency planning, integration of solar and battery storage, and benefits to Environmental Justice communities. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy REWI webpage.

Beyond the REWI program, Illinois EPA is committed to investing in public water infrastructure through a number of programs, including:

Wastewater/Stormwater and Drinking Water Loan Program
Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program/Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program
Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program

For more information, visit the Office of Energy webpage or call 217-785-8841.

Download News Release Here

DG RFP: Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:04:39 GMT

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (hereby referred to as “the District”) is soliciting proposals (“Proposals”) from qualified solar photovoltaic (PV) providers (“Proposers”) for turn-key installation of a rooftop solar PV project at the site addresses below pursuant to Section 19b of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/19b-1 et. Seq.). Proposers shall have demonstrated experience in designing, planning, scheduling, permitting and constructing complete solar PV systems, have knowledge of local utilities, provide project financial analysis, and support the District in securing rebates and other financial incentives available for the project. Proposals will be evaluated based on the relative merits of the Proposer’s response as documented in Section 5, Proposal Evaluation.

The District has retained Nania Energy Advisors (“Representative”) as its representative in regard to solicitations for distributed generation at the determined sites and has authorized Representative to oversee the RFP process, evaluate proposals, and make recommendations to the District. All questions and other correspondence for this RFP shall be submitted via email to solarRFP@naniaenergy.com with the subject line “Oak Park ESD 97 RFP.” All requests from Representative in regard to this solicitation should be regarded as if they are requests from District.

Download the RFP here

Responsible Party	Project Milestone	Date/Time
District	RFP Issued	February 9, 2026
District & Proposer	Mandatory Site Walk	February 25, 2026 at 10AM
Proposer	RFP Questions Deadline	March 6, 2026
District	Answers to RFP Questions Distributed	March 13, 2026
Proposer	RFP Deadline	March 27, 2026 at 12PM
Proposer	Presentations from Short-Listed Proposers	To be scheduled individually
District	Board of Education – 1^st Review	April 28, 2026
District & Proposer	Board of Education Award (or Not Award)	May 12, 2026

Interested proposers should be aware of the mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for 10 AM, February 25, 2026 at Beye Elementary School at 230 N Cuyler Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302. Please submit site walk attendee information via email to solarRFP@naniaenergy.com by February 24, 2026.

Further site information is provided in Attachment A and will be accessed via shared folder. Please email solarRFP@naniaenergy.com with the subject line “Oak Park ESD 97 Solar RFP Attachment A” and you will be provided a link to access the shared folder.

Please submit questions via email to solarRFP@naniaenergy.com by March 6, 2026 with the subject line “Oak Park ESD 97 Solar RFP.” Responses to questions will be shared with all Proposers.

Proposals are due by March 27, 2026 at 12 PM local time. Timely delivery is the responsibility of the Proposer. Any proposals received after the deadline will be rejected.

Please submit proposals via three bound copies and one digital copy on USB drive to:

Michael Arensdorff and John Pahlman

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

260 Madison Street

Oak Park, IL 60302

marensdorff@op97.org, jpahlman@op97.org

Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed container; the package must clearly show the phrase "Request for Proposal – Solar PV" and the Proposer's name.

Changes to Net Metering

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:19:15 GMT

As of January 1st, 2025, new solar customers will receive net metering for their supply charges, but NOT for their delivery charges or taxes/fees as they have in the past. Customers will be able to choose between a 1:1 kWh or monetary credit for excess electricity exported to the grid, applied to their next bill if exports exceed consumption. These credits will not expire.

To offset the initial cost to install solar and/or storage, customers can apply for a one-time “Distributed Generation (DG) Rebate” (also called the “Smart Inverter Rebate”) and/or the “Storage Rebate.” The DG Rebate offers an incentive of $300 per kilowatt of generating capacity and the Storage Rebate offers an incentive of $300 per kilowatt hour of storage. A customer must participate in a peak time rebate program, hourly pricing program or time of use rate program offered by their utility to qualify for the Storage Rebate.

Solar customers who installed their system BEFORE January 1, 2025 will receive full retail net metering, which includes for supply charges, delivery charges, and taxes/fees. This is legacy net metering.

To qualify, the installation, testing, and final inspections of a customer's system must be completed, and all required paperwork submitted to the utility by 5:00 PM CT on December 31, 2024.

Legacy customers will receive legacy net metering for the whole lifetime of the system, but the credits will zero out once a year, in either April or October.

Legacy customers in ComEd territory may expand their systems with no cap and still retain legacy net metering. Legacy customers in Ameren territory may expand their systems with a cap at 100% and still retain legacy net metering.

Learn more on the Solar Powers Illinois Net Metering Landing Page!

Watch the NEM transition webinar recorded on September 5, 2024 here. Organized by ISEA and SEIA, the webinar was presented by Nikhil Vijaykar, Partner with Keyes and Fox, who represents community choice aggregation providers, clean energy companies, transportation sector clients, and advocates in administrative litigation, rulemakings, and other regulatory matters. Representatives from Illinois’ investor-owned utilities were on hand to help answer questions.

Gov. Pritzker Announces $16 Million in Funding for Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship, Barrier Reduction Programs

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 19:48:30 GMT

Eligible Training Providers Can Apply to Run CEJA Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Today

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched $10 million in funding for the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and $6 million for the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The programs will increase training opportunities in the trades, expand the clean energy talent pipeline, and boost diversity in the clean energy trade industries by providing resources to limit barriers to participation. The programs will be run through training partners which will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

“The Climate Works and Barrier Reduction programs are essential to opening the door to countless opportunities in the clean energy trades industry for communities who have historically been left out and left behind,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Economic progress in Illinois depends on our diverse workforce, and these investments will break down barriers for more women and people of color to pave the way with good-paying careers that will push our state toward a carbon-free future. The strategic investments we make today in our clean energy workforce will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”

“The future of Illinois is bright as we work towards creating jobs that will contribute to a robust economy, while building a clean energy environment that benefits all communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This pre-apprenticeship program seeks out and shapes talent, and addresses their needs equitably so they are set up for success. This is how we uplift communities to access the opportunities to thrive.”

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program will prioritize underrepresented populations and Illinoisans living in communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers, bolstering a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry. The Climate Works program will be bolstered by Barrier Reduction Program funding, which will provide services for participants to address common barriers for underrepresented populations such as transportation, childcare, supplies, and other expenditures that often amount to roadblocks to success.

“Supporting Illinois’ strong, diverse and qualified workforce is among DCEO’s highest priorities as we build our clean energy future and grow our economy,” said DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards. “Climate Works doesn’t just offer training opportunities in the clean energy sector – it also provides comprehensive support, and funding to eliminate economic barriers to sector access. This pre-apprenticeship program relies on nationally recognized credentials to train the workforce, and is designed to help participants succeed while creating a more diverse workforce pipeline. Thousands of future Climate Works participants will help push Illinois toward securing a carbon-free future.”

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program will align with the needs of clean energy employers in the construction and building trades, provide students with nationally recognized certifications, and provide a pathway to an apprenticeship in the growing renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency industries. The program will also provide access to educational and career counseling along with hands-on learning that will reinforce foundational professional skills taught in the classroom.

“Communities like mine are too often left behind, even when the larger economy is booming,” said State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This pre-apprenticeship program will go a long way in ensuring that Black and Latino men and women are at the forefront of the clean-energy economy. I look forward to seeing the graduates of these programs from my district working on projects that will power Illinois for generations to come.”

As outlined in statute, the pre-apprenticeship program will consist of three regional centers serving the Chicago metropolitan area, Northern /Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. Centers will recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training, for which participants can attend free of charge, receive a stipend, and access to support services through the Barrier Reduction Program.

“Illinois has been leading the clean-energy revolution, and we are leading the way with our clean energy workforce as well,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Between CEJA and the federal Inflation Reduction Act, there is going to be incredible demand for a workforce that knows their way around a wind turbine. Because of this pre-apprenticeship program, every community will have access to these jobs.”

People of color, women, and other underrepresented populations have historically been significantly underrepresented in apprenticeship programs. A pre-apprenticeship helps break down barriers and provide greater access to apprenticeships, which provide a pathway to good-paying long-term careers. The Climate Works model provides nationally recognized credentials, provides funding to cover costs to address barriers, and provides hands-on support that will help program graduates enter an apprenticeship program and lay the foundation for a long-term career in a growing sector.

The program is expected to enroll 500-700 pre-apprentices during its first year, with capacity increasing over the course of the program. Climate Works will help participants secure good-paying clean energy careers in construction, installation, maintenance and repair activities after being trained on topics specific to clean energy such as solar PV basics and building energy efficiency.

Through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $3 million to $6.5 million (inclusive of Illinois Climate Works and Barrier Reduction Program funding). Applications will be accepted until June 2, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will also be hosting a series of informational webinars:

Bidder's Conference: April 26 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. [Register here]

Technical assistance workshop for first-time applicants: May 9 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. [Register here]

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Barrier Reduction Program are two of several workforce programs established by the landmark CEJA legislation intended to move Illinois to a 100% carbon-free future. Under CEJA, DCEO will administer $180 million per year in workforce and community support programs designed to build Illinois' clean energy economy and prepare the state's workforce and communities for the jobs of the future.

DCEO is responsible for implementing programs to prepare Illinois' workforce for the transition to clean energy and to support Illinois communities undergoing energy transitions, including the following:

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-45)

Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-55)

Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program ("Clean Jobs Hubs") (20 ILCS 730/5-20)

Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative Fund (20 ILCS 3855/1-75)

Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program (20 ILCS 730/5-30)

Energy Transition Community Support Grants (20 ILCS 730/10-20)

Energy Transition Navigators Program (20 ILCS 730/5-35)

Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (20 ILCS 730/5-40)

Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program (20 ILCS 730/5-60)

Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program (20 ILCS 730/5-50)

Illinois Renewable Energy Growth Surges in the Months After Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Signed

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:18:04 GMT

CHICAGO (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 15, 2022

Five months after the passage of Illinois’ landmark clean energy law, solar businesses have installed enough renewable energy to power 30,000 homes and are building a more diverse workforce with the help of job training programs. Data collected by the solar industry found 2022 is on track to be one of the biggest years for solar energy in Illinois’ history. The renewable energy industry plans to complete more than 8,400 additional solar installations and increase its workforce by nearly 50% in 2022. Data was provided by members of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Illinois Solar Energy Association and the Coalition for Community Solar Access and the Illinois Power Agency.

The progress is due in large part to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that was enacted on September 15, 2021. Governor JB Pritzker described the legislation as “the most significant step Illinois has taken toward a reliable, renewable, affordable and clean energy future in a generation.” CEJA sets the long-term goal of 100% clean energy in Illinois by 2050 but also provides immediate steps that help accelerate the renewable energy transition that’s already underway in Illinois.

Data from the Illinois Power Agency shows that:

8,052 waitlisted solar projects have moved forward and are expected to be approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission this month.
250 MW of new community solar projects have been approved– when completed, these projects will allow an estimated 35,000 families to lower their electric bills without installing solar panels.

A survey of solar businesses in Illinois found that:

More than 2,000 rooftop and community solar projects have already been installed and are generating enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes.
Illinois businesses will complete more than 8,400 rooftop and community solar projects by the end of 2022.
Businesses are hiring rapidly and the workforce in the state is expected to increase 47% by the end of this year.

Renewable energy businesses reported that they have already expanded their work on diversity, equity and inclusion by recruiting from solar job training programs, creating internal committees focused on diversity and hiring consultants and recruiters to guide their diversity efforts.

The Illinois Power Agency maintains an online map of solar projects that participate in the state’s adjustable block program here – roughly 25,000 solar projects have been completed since the program launched in 2017. The Agency is currently developing its long-term renewable energy plan that will establish the path for renewable energy growth for coming years. The plan will establish an Equity Eligible Contractor certification and an Equity Accountability System in the next 12-18 months.

About Coalition for Community Solar Access
The Coalition for Community Solar Access is a national Coalition of businesses and non-profits working to expand customer choice and access to solar for all American households and businesses through community solar. Our mission is to empower every American energy consumer with the option to choose local, clean, and affordable community solar. For more information, visit https://www.communitysolaraccess.org and follow the group on Facebook.

About The Illinois Solar Energy Association
The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through our mission of education and advocacy. ISEA is the state resource for renewable energy related policy developments, educational classes, events and access to local renewable energy businesses. http://www.illinoissolar.org

About Solar Energy Industries Association
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Visit SEIA online at http://www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Inclusion Award - Applications Open Now, Due 2/25

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 23:07:35 GMT

The nonprofit Evergreen Climate Innovations, formerly Clean Energy Trust, and the U.S. Bank Foundation are on a mission to support underserved and underrepresented cleantech entrepreneurs through the U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Inclusion Award.

This award will be granted to entrepreneurs who are female and/or people of color and who are building innovative companies that benefit the environment, create jobs, and drive economic development.

Recipients of the award will receive:

a non-recourse grant of $25,000,
12-months of business mentorship from Evergreen Climate Innovations and U.S. Bank,
and heightened exposure to both investors and potential customers.

Please visit the website to learn more about the application criteria and how entrepreneurs can apply. Eligible sectors include renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart buildings/cities, energy storage, mobility/advanced transportation, and environmental product/ service innovation.

The award application window is open now but closes on February 25, 2022.

Indexed REC RFP – ANNOUNCEMENT: Invitation to Comment on the Preliminary Proposal Requirements and Draft Key Contract Terms

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:16:55 GMT

Public Act 102-0662 (the “Climate and Equitable Jobs Act”) was signed into law and became effective on September 15, 2021. The IPA Act, as amended by Public Act 102-0662, establishes a subsequent forward procurement for indexed renewable energy credits from new utility-scale wind projects, new utility-scale solar projects, and new brownfield site photovoltaic projects. The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) will be conducting a competitive procurement event (the “Indexed REC RFP”) in Spring 2022 for the procurement of indexed renewable energy credits.

On December 6, 2021, the Procurement Administrator posted to the procurement website a document containing preliminary proposal requirements and draft key contract terms. The Procurement Administrator invites interested parties to submit their comments on any aspect of the preliminary proposal requirements and draft key contract terms. The Procurement Administrator also seeks stakeholder feedback on specific topics. The comment process is explained in the Invitation to Comment posted here. The process can be summarized as follows:

Please include your comments on the preliminary proposal requirements and draft key contract terms in an attachment and email it to the Procurement Administrator at: Illinois-RFP@nera.com
Please provide telephone and e-mail contact information in the event that the Procurement Administrator seeks clarification regarding your comments.
Please include a reference to the section name from the left-hand column of the applicable table that is applicable to the requirement or contract term for which you are providing comment(s).

The deadline to provide comments is Friday, December 17, 2021.

To receive updates and information regarding the Indexed REC RFP, please click here to register for the mailing list.

From the IPA: ABP REC Pricing for Reopening on December 14, 2021 Now Published

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:38:46 GMT

As authorized under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662), the Adjustable Block Program will reopen to project applications on December 14, 2021. REC pricing for this new Program capacity has been developed consistent with the Act’s requirements, and block reopening REC prices have been published on the ABP website.

Please note that these REC prices are only applicable to new capacity available resultant from program reopening under Public Act 102-0662. The Agency plans to reexamine REC pricing for all subsequent annual blocks of the Adjustable Block Program through updates to its Long-Term Renewable Resource Procurement Plan. A draft version of that updated Plan will be published on January 13, 2022 and Commission approval of that updated Plan is expected by July of 2022.

Indexed REC RFP – ANNOUNCEMENT: Schedule for Spring 2022 Indexed Wind, Solar, and Brownfield REC RFP Posted

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:49:44 GMT

The schedule for the Indexed Wind, Solar, and Brownfield REC RFP is posted to the Calendar page of the procurement website. Preliminary proposal requirements will be posted on Friday, December 3, 2021. To receive updates and information regarding the Indexed REC RFP, please register here.

From the IPA: Requests for Stakeholder Feedback for 2022 Revised Long-Term Plan

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:25:10 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency has issued Requests for Stakeholder Feedback on various topics as the Agency prepares to develop the 2022 Revised Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. These Stakeholder Requests for Feedback covers topics that focus on new elements of the Plan that implement provisions of the recently enacted Public Act 102-0662 (the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act). The linked documents below provide background on the various requests and pose numerous questions for stakeholder input. Stakeholders can respond to as few or as many of these topics as they see fit.

Feedback on the topics outlined below are due by 5:00 PM Central Prevailing Time (“CPT”) on Friday, December 3, 2021. Responses to this Request for Stakeholder Feedback should be emailed to IPA.ContactUs@Illinois.gov . Details for how to submit responses are found in each individual document. Responses will be made public and published on the Renewable Resources Workshop page of the Agency’s website.

Stakeholder Feedback Request Documents

1. High Level RPS Questions

2. Utility Scale Questions

3. Self-Direct Questions

4. Adjustable Block Program Questions

5. Illinois Solar for All Questions

6. Consumer Protection Questions

7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Questions

8. REC Price Questions

Stakeholder Workshops

To facilitate feedback, the IPA will hold virtual workshops on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Registration is required to attend the workshops. Please click the following links for registration:

Workshop Session 1

Thursday, November 18, 2021

9am - Noon

High Level RPS Questions
Utility Scale Questions
Self-Direct Questions
REC Price Questions
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Questions

Workshop Session 2

Thursday, November 18, 2021

1pm -4pm

Illinois Solar for All Questions
Adjustable Block Program Questions
Consumer Protection Questions

From the IPA: Webinar and Power Hour Recordings & Slides

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:39:36 GMT

Recordings and slides for IPA Stakeholder workshops and webinars can be found here.

Recordings and slides for IPA Power Hours can be found here.

Important Announcements from the Illinois Power Agency

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 20:37:22 GMT

Requests for Stakeholder Feedback for Adjustable Block Program Opening

The IPA has issued Requests for Stakeholder Feedback to solicit comments as the Agency prepares to open new capacity for the Adjustable Block Program (ABP) in line with the new requirements of Public Act 102-0662 (the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act). Written stakeholder feedback is due on November 4, 2021.

As part of this stakeholder feedback process, the IPA will be holding two virtual workshops on Thursday, October 21, 2021. The first workshop will be held from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CPT and will cover topics related to new Program requirements. The second workshop will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CPT and will cover the development of new ABP REC contracts. Registration is required to attend the workshops. For more information and to register for the Workshops, visit the Adjustable Block Program website .

The Agency will be hosting its IPA Power Hour Webinar 2: Impact of CEJA on the Adjustable Block Program on Friday, October 22, 2021.

IPA Power Hour Webinars are educational and informative and feature a wide range of clean energy topics and issues presented over the lunch hour. Registration is required to attend the IPA Power Hour Webinar this coming Friday.

For registration, click the webinar registration page.

IPA Launches new Dedicated Resource Page on Public Act 102-0662 Implementation

The IPA’s new dedicated resource page on Public Act 102-0662 implementation includes information on activities crucial to the Agency. This includes the development of a Carbon Mitigation Credit Procurement Plan (to support at-risk nuclear plants), procurements of Renewable Energy Credits from new utility-scale wind and solar projects, changes to the Adjustable Block Program and the Illinois Solar for All Program, the reopening of Adjustable Block Program blocks, the development of a coal-to-solar procurement process, and many other requirements.

This dedicated CEJA implementation page serves as an up-to-date hub of information to ensure stakeholders and interested parties are apprised the latest developments related to the Agency's implementation of the Act. This page will be updated periodically, and important developments will be shared as needed.

The IPA is Hiring

The IPA is actively seeking candidates for several positions:

Consumer Protection Counsel
IT Coordinator
Program Associate
Fellow

To learn more about the positions and apply, visit the Current Open Positions page on the IPA website.

Upcoming Workshops for Illinois ABP – THURSDAY OCTOBER 21, 2021

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 19:53:05 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) will be holding two virtual workshops on Thursday, October 21, 2021 to solicit feedback from stakeholders related to Adjustable Block Program reopening. Both workshops will be recorded and made available for stakeholder viewing on the IPA website and ABP website.

The first workshop will be held from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CPT and will cover topics related to new Program requirements that stem from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662). The following topics will be covered during the first session:

Block allocations and REC pricing for new Large Distributed Generation, Community Driven Community Solar, and Equity Eligible Contractor categories
Application requirements, applicable projects, and verification for projects subject to prevailing wage requirements
Collection and reporting of demographic data
Application requirements for, and prioritization of public-school projects
Community-Driven Community Solar selection and prioritization
Application process and requirements for Equity Eligible Contractors

Additionally, the IPA will issue a detailed request for written stakeholder feedback on the topics outlined above on October 14, 2021, with responses requested no later than October 28, 2021.

The second workshop will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CPT and will cover the development of new ABP REC contracts. The IPA plans to release drafts of the new ABP REC contracts on October 19, 2021. In recognition of the fact that not all stakeholders will have the ability to review the draft contracts between their release on October 19 and the workshop on October 21, the afternoon workshop will be heavily focused on presentation of the draft REC contracts and the changes from the current contract required to implement the provisions of the new statute.

Registration is required for the workshops. Please click the following links to register for the workshops:

New Program Requirements
Thursday October 21, 2021
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CPT
New ABP REC Contracts
Thursday October 21, 2021
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CPT

The IPA will be conducting subsequent stakeholder feedback opportunities related to the revision of the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan at a later date. Details to be announced.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement or these upcoming sessions, please reach out to the Adjustable Block Program Administrator at admin@illinoisabp.com or at 877-783-1820.

From the IPA: Register for the IPA Power Hour Webinar Series today!

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:19:10 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) is proud to announce the launch of the IPA Power Hour Webinars, featuring a wide range of clean energy topics and issues presented over the lunch hour.

Starting Friday, October 15, 2021, the IPA will be offering a series of these educational and informative webinars to discuss how the recently enacted Climate Equitable Jobs Act (“CEJA”) revises and expands the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard, including strengthening equity, diversity, and labor standards for IPA-administered incentive programs to build a stronger, more diverse and equitable clean energy workforce. After this initial series is completed the IPA will be offering future Power Hour Webinars on other topical areas. The Power Hour Webinar Series will be recorded and available on the Agency’s website.

IPA Power Hour Webinars are 60 minutes long from 12pm-1pm CDT. Registration is required. After you register, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar.

IPA Power Hour Webinar 1: Expansion of the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard Under CEJA

Date: Friday, October 15, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 2: CEJA’s Impact on Adjustable Block Program

Date: Friday, October 22, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 3: CEJA’s Impact on Illinois Solar for All

Date: Friday, November 12, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 4: CEJA’s Impact on Utility-Scale Solar and Wind and Brownfield sites

Date: Friday, November 19, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 5: Creating a Diverse and Equitable Energy Workforce

Date: Friday, December 3, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 6: Decarbonization, From Coal to Renewables

Date: Friday, December 10, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

IPA Power Hour Webinar 7: Carbon Mitigation Credits and CEJA’s Support for At-Risk Nuclear Plants

Date: Friday, December 17, 2021

Time: 12pm-1pm CDT

REGISTER HERE

From the IPA: Application of CEJA to Projects and Portal Temporary Closing

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:49:37 GMT

On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) into law. This Act includes significant changes to the Adjustable Block Program, including the opening of new blocks of Program capacity within 90 days (by December 14, 2021).

To prepare for these changes to the program, the ABP Approved Vendor Portal will close to new project submittals on November 1, 2021. All projects submitted in batches on or prior to that date will be considered waitlisted projects (pending payment of application fees within 10 business days of batch submittal). The project portal will reopen for new project applications on December 14, 2021.

The Act includes several key changes to the program that will be implemented for block reopenings:

The size cut-off between Small and Large Distributed Generation categories has been changed from 10 kW to 25 kW.
Three new categories have been created: (1) community-driven community solar projects, (2) projects at public schools, and (3) projects submitted by equity eligible contractors.
The maximum size of projects in certain categories has been extended from 2 MW to 5 MW.
Provisions have been established for the selection of waitlisted community solar projects.
REC prices for initial opening of additional capacity have been set based on adjustments from the last open block prices.
Prevailing wage requirements have been established, with exceptions for select project types.
REC contract payment schedules have been revised for Large DG and Community Solar projects. (Waitlisted Large DG projects maintain the prior payment schedule).

The IPA will be seeking stakeholder feedback on certain items related to the opening of new blocks, including updated REC delivery contracts. Currently, the IPA plans to release written requests for stakeholder feedback on October 14, 2021. A stakeholder workshop will be held on October 21, 2021. Written comments and responses to the workshop topics and/or the written request for stakeholder feedback may be submitted no later than November 4, 2021. More information on the workshop and written requests for stakeholder feedback will be announced at a later date. Additionally, the Program Administrator will be releasing guidance to Approved Vendors regarding the processing of waitlisted projects in the coming weeks.

Additional updates to the Program (and to the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard more generally) will be included in the next draft Revised Long-Term Plan that will be released for public comment no later than January 13, 2021 (120 days after the effective date of P.A. 102-0662).

For questions regarding this announcement, please reach out to the Program Administrator at admin@illinoisabp.com or at 877-783-1820.

IPA Filed 2022 Electricity Procurement Plan and Carbon Mitigation Credit Procurement Plan with the ICC

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:31:41 GMT

On September 29, 2021, the Illinois Power Agency filed two procurement Plans for Illinois Commerce Commission Approval. These plans are the 2022 Electricity Procurement Plan (Docket No. 21-0717) and the Carbon Mitigation Credit Procurement Plan (Docket No. 21-0718). These Plans are also available on the Agency’s website.

IPA Posts Update to COVID-19 Related Marketing Guidelines

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:01:40 GMT

Amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases spurred by the Delta variant, on August 26, 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued COVID-19 Executive Order No. 87, which reinstates a statewide indoor mask mandate with an effective date of August 30. In light of the reinstated mask mandate for all Illinois residents regardless of vaccination status, the Illinois Power Agency has determined that it is appropriate to require compliance with the new reinstated mandate for the Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar For All for in-person marketing and solicitation.

In an effort to practice safe measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our community, door-to-door sales permitted under the Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar For All must follow the mask mandate. The requirement to wear masks indoors is applicable to both vaccinated and unvaccinated agents statewide during door-to-door sales. Entities whose agents violate these guidelines may be suspended from program participation.

Any agent engaged in door-to-door marketing or solicitation must wear a mask indoors during the time of customer interaction even while maintaining social distance. While masks are not required outdoors, agents meeting with potential customers in crowded outdoor areas are strongly encouraged to wear masks and maintain appropriate social distance from customers. Furthermore, if an agent is invited inside a potential customer’s home or business, the agent shall wear his or her mask during the entire stay.

Under previous iterations of the COVID-19 marketing guidelines, the Agency permitted passive forms of in-person marketing and solicitation, such as tabling at retail stores or public events. Any of these previously permitted in-person marketing activities may continue in accordance with the new mask and social distancing requirements.

Any door-to-door distribution of marketing materials through passive forms of solicitation (i.e., distribution of door hangers without knocking on doors) may also be conducted by agents without masks. In the event that passive marketing efforts result in direct contact with potential customers, the agent is required to promptly put on a mask.

The Agency will continue to monitor public health information as part of an ongoing assessment of these guidelines. The IPA will endeavor to provide updates to these guidelines as the public health situation continues to evolve.

Should you have questions about whether specific practices are permitted, please contact IPA Chief Legal Counsel Brian Granahan at Brian.Granahan@Illinois.gov

Leading solar companies unite with state solar advocates to advance a new automated permitting process to cut the cost of solar

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 19:42:35 GMT

Leading solar companies unite with state solar advocates to advance a new automated permitting process to cut the cost of solar

NREL’s SolarAPP+ online tool helps local officials expedite approval of rooftop and projects

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the launch of a new online permitting platform to accelerate the approval of solar projects while maintaining the integrity of the permitting process. SolarAPP+ was developed and built by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in consultation with a broad range of experts from businesses, trade groups, local governments, researchers, and code and safety organizations. It will cut the time and expense of going solar in the U.S., where the cost of installation is 2-3 times greater than in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

With today’s announcement SolarAPP+ is now being made available as a solution to cities across the country, to help jurisdictions process solar installations more efficiently and with a standardized high level of quality and safety. This efficiency gain and cost reduction is seen as critical for American energy consumers to achieve the rapid growth in solar adoption targeted by the administration.

Solar customers will save money. Solar installers will have more clarity about the process, get more projects done and contribute more to local economies. Local officials will be able to rely on quality assurance processes built into the online application tool with input from code and safety experts at organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

It is now time to support rapid adoption of SolarAPP+ by cities across the country. To support this goal, a group of solar companies, state solar energy associations, clean energy advocates, and environmental organizations have launched The SolarAPP+ Campaign to raise awareness about SolarAPP+ and promote its adoption. The project is motivated by national data showing that local governments with instant online permitting for rooftop solar process 5-14x more volume than jurisdictions with traditional permit processing. The SolarAPP+ Campaign is supporting state solar associations’ advocacy with a goal of getting over 100 jurisdictions to adopt the new tool by next summer.

“By adopting SolarAPP+, cities can ramp up more solar in their communities, while improving the quality and safety of their permitting process. It will lead to more happy solar customers, less pollution, more jobs, and more local economic benefits,” said Andrew Birch and Anne Hoskins, Co-Chairs of the SolarAPP+ Campaign. “We’re excited to work with local officials and other stakeholders to advance the benefits of this new tool.”

For more information on the campaign and its partners, go to SolarAPPCampaign.org

Info for state and local officials- SolarAPP+ for Jurisdictions

Info for installers - SolarAPP+ - Installers

Media Contacts

John Ordona, OpenSolar, john@opensolar.com

Bartlett Jackson, Sunrun, bartlett.jackson@sunrun.com

Anson Moran

IL SolarAPP Outreach Coordinator

M (714) 331-2280

From the IPA: Updated COVID-19-Related Marketing Guidelines – October 7, 2020

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:50:06 GMT

On March 20, 2020, in light of the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its expected impacts in Illinois, the Illinois Power Agency adopted the following emergency amendment to its Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar for All Program Marketing Guidelines:

In-person marketing and solicitation: Given the public health emergency posed by the COVID-19 virus, in-person marketing or solicitation of photovoltaic system sales, installations, or financing; in-person marketing or solicitation of community solar subscriptions; or similar in-person solar marketing or solicitation activity are prohibited.

Clarifications to this prohibition were offered on May 19, 2020, along with additional guidance and updates on June 4, 2020, June 30, 2020, and August 5, 2020.

This update confirms that the IPA’s prohibition of door-to-door sales and solicitation remains in place while offering additional clarifications regarding the scope of this prohibition.

Regarding the basis for the IPA’s door-to-door sales prohibition, the statewide COVID-19 positivity rate (the percentage of positive tests across total tests given) remains in the range of 3.5%. That positivity rate remains well above its lowest points from June and has showed little decline across the summer months, and the daily totals for both confirmed cases and fatalities in Illinois remain a significant public health concern. As Illinois moves into cooler fall weather with more time spent indoors, efforts should be made to protect against a recurrent spike in COVID-19 transmission through curbing unnecessary—and especially unwanted—person-to-person contact.

The IPA believes that transactions benefitting from public funding should operate in the public interest. Thus, in the interest of protecting public health, door-to-door sales remains a prohibited sales channel under solar incentive programs administered by the IPA (the Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar for All Program) and entities found violating this prohibition may be suspended from program participation.

CLARIFICATIONS

A reiteration of prior-offered clarification is provided below:

Passive forms of in-person marketing and solicitation – such as tabling at retail stores or events, or door-to-door distribution of marketing materials such as advertising flyers – are no longer prohibited. While these activities could increase the likelihood of unnecessary person-to-person interactions, such an increase would be small or already agreed-to through participation in existing commercial channels. Any permitted door-to-door distribution of marketing materials must consist only of distribution of materials (with no notification—such as door knocking or ringing of a doorbell—allowed as part of that distribution) and not include any other marketing or solicitation activities, including in-person sales or solicitation, until such time as the potential customer has received and read those materials and initiated an entirely separate follow-up conversation.

Additionally, in-person meetings with prospective or existing customers (such as a follow-up to an online or phone discussion) are not prohibited so long as expressly agreed to by that customer. The IPA strongly discourages any high-pressure tactics used to secure such meetings, however, and requests that all Approved Vendors, designees, agents, and subcontractors strongly consider whether virtual meetings, e-signatures, or other telecommunication practices can instead be utilized. Approved Vendors, designees, agents, and subcontractors must respect the wishes of existing or prospective customers who do not wish to meet in-person.

In addition to this prior-issued guidance the IPA offers the following additional clarifications:

This prohibition applies both to business-to-business sales in addition to sales to Illinois residents.
This prohibition applies to any size of system or subscription for photovoltaic systems benefitting from incentive funding through program participation.
While the term “door-to-door” is used in describing this prohibition, this prohibition applies to any attempts to initiate person-to-person contact without that person’s or business’s prior acquiescence, unless part of the tabling exception outlined above. Thus, approaching an individual on their property, on the street, or otherwise without their prior express consent to such person-to-person contact may constitute a violation.
Guidance offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (“DCEO”) regarding the permissibility of door-to-door sales during Phase 4 of the state’s Restore Illinois Plan addresses only whether such practices would run afoul of the Restore Illinois Plan, and does not address the requirements applicable to qualifying for state-administered incentive funding under the IPA’s programs.
Likewise, the removal of prohibitions on door-to-door solicitations by local governments does not impact program permissibility of door-to-door marketing for transactions funded through the IPA’s solar incentive programs in those areas.

For the foregoing reasons and those offered in its prior updates, the Agency believes this would be an inappropriate time to start permitting in-person interactions initiated without a customer, homeowner, or business owner’s express permission. This prohibition will remain in effect until lifted by the IPA through a formal announcement, although the IPA will endeavor to continue providing updates. Additionally, prior-issued guidance regarding best practices remains in effect.

Should you have questions about whether specific practices are permitted, please contact IPA Chief Legal Counsel Brian Granahan at Brian.Granahan@Illinois.gov.

Illinois Solar Tour goes virtual: Site previews online now, live Zoom tours set for Sept. 26

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 17:17:35 GMT

Annual event adapts, showcasing 30 solar homes and businesses across Illinois through socially distant, digital format

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Thousands of Illinois residents will get an up-close virtual look at the world’s fastest growing source of energy with over 30 solar homes and businesses across the state participating in this year’s Illinois Solar Tour. The Solar Tour, hosted by the Illinois Solar Education Association (ISEA), is a free experience, including live virtual events on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Tour allows the public to view real-life examples of nearby businesses and residents who have decided to cut their utility bills by going solar.

Structured in past years as a statewide series of open houses, the Tour has been reimagined for a socially distanced, all-digital audience. Photos and videos of solar homes and businesses in communities throughout the state are available now on the Tour website, where visitors can also sign up for the live Zoom tours scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. With 10 options available, the tours will offer the public a chance to engage and ask questions of solar owners and other enthusiasts.

The virtual tours are expected to give thousands of people across Illinois a better understanding of renewable energy. Participants will gain valuable insight on the costs, processes, as well as the economic and environmental benefits of going solar. Illinois is in the middle of a solar energy boom thanks to the implementation of new legislation, making the Tour a great way to learn about the opportunities the technology affords.

Please visit the Tour’s website to find sites to explore near you: www.illinoissolar.org/Illinois-Solar-Tour

Participating Towns and Cities in the Tour include but are not limited to:

Arlington Heights, Batavia, Brookfield, Buffalo Grove, Carol Stream, Cary, Caseyville, Champaign, Chicago, Deer Park, Elmhurst, Evanston, Forest Park, Glen Carbon, Glen Ellyn, Goreville, Grayslake, Highland Park, Naperville, Northbrook, Palatine, Plainfield, Riverside, Schaumburg, Troy, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wilmette, Woodridge, Woodstock

About the Illinois Solar Education Association (ISEA)

ISEA is two sister non-profit organizations - the Illinois Solar Energy Association and the Illinois Solar Education Association - that promote the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through our mission of advocacy and education.

Founded in 1975 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization was focused on public education for the majority of its history. In the last decade, ISEA expanded its efforts to include working to ensure stable policies and regulations for solar development in Illinois. In order to do this work, ISEA founded its sister 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization.

The Illinois Solar Education Association is the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, and is the state resource for renewable energy-related policy developments, educational classes, events, news, and access to local renewable energy businesses. www.illinoissolar.org

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From the IPA: Part I and Part II ABP Application Changes

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 17:17:44 GMT

The IPA’s Revised Long-Term Plan, published by the IPA on April 20, 2020, contains several changes to Part I and Part II of the ABP project application. The Program Administrator has implemented these changes which are now live. The following are details regarding each change:

Part I Changes

Providing a shading study is no longer a required upload for any application. (Upload removed from Part I)
Language is added to the application noting that an Interconnection Agreement (IA), required for systems >25 kW AC, must be signed by both the interconnection customer and the interconnecting utility. The IA must be dated on or prior to the date of submission of the application. (Clarification of existing Part I requirement)
Ground-mounted systems larger than 250 kW AC must provide a land use permit from the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). If a land use permit is not applicable, the Approved Vendor must provide written confirmation from the AHJ that no permit is required. (New Part I upload)
Non-ministerial permits, other than the land use permit specified above for systems larger than 250 kW AC, are no longer required and have been removed from the Part I application. For those Approved Vendors and Designees that use the application CSV upload feature, non-ministerial permits have been made optional in the CSV, enabling you to continue to use the same CSV template without issue. (Uploads removed from Part I)

Part II Changes

The ICC Docket Number for the Certification of the DG Installer who is the installer of record is now required. (New required information in Part II)
For systems that include a battery, a detailed schematic must be provided showing that either only solar-generated power can be used to charge the battery or that the battery’s output does not run through the meter used to measure solar output. (New Part II upload)

Changes that apply to both Part I and Part II

Bifacial panels are now an option in the application. (New option for both Part I and Part II)

Should you have questions about any of these changes, please contact the Program Administrator at admin@illinoisabp.com.

From the IPA: Request for Stakeholder Comments – Refreshed ABP REC Contract

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 22:14:50 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking feedback on the first draft of the refreshed Adjustable Block Program REC contract with comments due by August 14, 2020. The draft REC contract, a comparison of the draft REC contract and the current REC Contract, and a Request for Stakeholder Comments document can be found at www.illinoisabp.com/rec-contract. Please see the Request for Stakeholder Comments for additional background and information, and details on two virtual workshops scheduled for July 31, 2020 and August 7, 2020, both at 12:00 PM Central Standard Time.

This announcement is also posted here on the Adjustable Block Program website.

Attention: Approved Vendors & Supplier Diversity Reports Coming Due!

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:23:13 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency has communicated information on how to file the first annual Approved Vendor (AV) reports. Please note that this filing, which will be used to verify REC delivery, is required of all AVs by Wednesday, July 15^th. A 90 day cure period is afforded to ensure that all information submitted is correct, but the initial report date is not negotiable.

Please read the IPA announcement here.

In addition, the IPA communicates that all solar companies will be required to report "information related to ongoing program participation, including use of graduates of job training programs and other information related to increasing the diversity of the solar workforce.

The last item above is currently the topic of a stakeholder process; as a result, job training information likely will be collected separately from the rest of the annual report data after the stakeholder comment process concludes.”

Approved Vendors will be reaching out to their designees to collect this important information on the industry’s work to increase diversity in the workforce once this portion of the AV report has been finalized.

From the IPA: Updated COVID-19-Related Marketing Guidelines – June 30, 2020

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:09:01 GMT

On March 20, 2020, in light of the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its expected impacts in Illinois, the Illinois Power Agency adopted the following emergency amendment to its Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar for All Program Marketing Guidelines:

Clarifications to these requirements were offered on May 18, 2020, along with additional guidance on June 4, 2020.

This update confirms that the IPA’s prohibition of door-to-door sales and solicitation remains in place. Although the state has progressed to Phase 4 (out of 5) of the Restore Illinois Reopening Plan, Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID-19-related disaster proclamation was again extended for 30 days on June 26, 2020, recognizing that COVID-19 remains a significant public health risk to Illinois residents. The Illinois Commerce Commission’s emergency order prohibiting door to door sales by Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers and Alternative Gas Suppliers also remains in place. As identified COVID-19 cases have also risen nationally, the Agency believes this would be an inappropriate time to start permitting in-person interactions initiated without a customer, homeowner, or business owner’s express permission.

Prior-issued guidance regarding best practices and permitted activities remains in effect. Should you have questions about whether specific practices are permitted, please contact IPA Chief Legal Counsel Brian Granahan at Brian.Granahan@Illinois.gov.

From the IPA: Updated Job Training and Workforce Diversity Comment Deadline

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:59:02 GMT

The deadline for submitting comments on the Request for Feedback for Job Training and Solar Workforce Diversity reporting requirements has been extended to Thursday, July 2, 2020. Please submit comments to admin@illinoisabp.com.

As part of this comment process, the Agency also requests that stakeholders provide comments on reasonable timelines and compliance periods for the submittal of diversity and job training information.

Finally, the opening of the Approved Vendor Annual Report portal is now planned for July 1, 2020 (as opposed to the June 22, 2020 date from the Request for Comments). As noted in the Request for Feedback, Annual Reports are due on July 15, 2020, but will not initially contain spaces for entry of diversity and job training information. Those categories will be added upon completion of this stakeholder feedback process.

From the IPA: June 4th Updated Covid-19-Related Marketing Guidelines

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 19:40:54 GMT

Clarifications to these requirements were offered on May 18, 2020, along with a statement that further guidance would be offered during the first week of June. This communication offers that guidance.

While all four regions of the state successfully achieved Phase 3 (out of 5) of the State of Illinois’s Restore Illinois Reopening Plan on May 29th—thus demonstrating that COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalizations, and ICU capacity remain stable or are decreasing—the IPA does not believe that a full elimination of its in-person marketing and solicitation prohibition is warranted.

As outlined most recently in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s May 29, 2020 disaster proclamation, COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat to Illinois residents. By way of example, the two days prior to this June 4, 2020 announcement featured official totals of over 200 new COVID-19-related fatalities and over 2500 new positive cases in Illinois. While hospitalization rates, fatalities, and positive testing rates have recently been declining from peak levels, they remain at levels significant enough to continue to constitute a public health emergency across Illinois.

Although Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan permits gatherings of 10 people or fewer, those gatherings presumably involve individuals acquiescing to person-to-person interactions. This is not the case for door-to-door sales and solicitation. An at-risk individual may believe that a visitor to his or her residence is delivering groceries, pharmaceutical drugs, or other true necessities rather than soliciting a product that the individual does not need. To prevent these and other unwanted interactions during an ongoing pandemic, and to ensure that Illinois residents and business have positive experiences under a ratepayer-funded incentive program, the IPA believes that while certain aspects of its restrictions should be loosened, door-to-door sales and solicitation will remain prohibited. (The Agency notes that the Illinois Commerce Commission’s emergency order prohibiting door to door sales by Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers and Alternative Gas Suppliers also remains in place.)

The Illinois Power Agency will revisit this decision in approximately two to three weeks’ time. Absent any new announcements from the Agency, this prohibition will remain in place.

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES

In light of the progress that has been made to date, one prior clarification has been revisited. Passive forms of in-person marketing and solicitation – such as tabling at retail stores or events, or door-to-door distribution of marketing materials such as advertising flyers – are no longer prohibited. While these activities could increase the likelihood of unnecessary person-to-person interactions, such an increase would be small or already agreed-to through participation in existing commercial channels. Any permitted door-to-door distribution of marketing materials must consist only of distribution of materials (with no notification—such as door knocking or ringing of a doorbell—allowed) and not include any other marketing or solicitation activities, including in-person sales or solicitation, until such time as the potential customer has received and read those materials and initiated an entirely separate follow-up conversation.

Additionally, in-person meetings with prospective or existing customers (such as a follow-up to an online or phone discussion) are not prohibited so long as expressly agreed to by that customer. The IPA strongly discourages any high-pressure tactics used to secure such meetings, however, and requests that all Approved Vendors, designees, agents, and subcontractors strongly consider whether virtual meetings, e-signatures, or other telecommunication practices can instead be utilized. Approved Vendors, designees, agents, and subcontractors must respect the wishes of existing or prospective customers who do not wish to meet in-person.

The IPA and its Program Administrators are taking steps to cross-check project applications and disclosure forms received during this in-person sales and marketing prohibition through follow-up with select customers. These checks are being made to ensure that prohibited sales and solicitation practices are not in fact being utilized.

Should you have questions about whether specific other sales practices are permitted, please contact IPA Chief Legal Counsel Brian Granahan at Brian.Granahan@Illinois.gov. To the extent not expressly addressed above or otherwise clear, whether a sales practice is permitted under the IPA’s emergency COVID-19-related marketing guidelines will generally depend on whether a) the sales activity could result in person-to-person interactions without the consent of the prospective customer and b) whether a viable alternative avoiding person-to-person interaction can be identified.

BEST PRACTICES

In conducting permitted sales and solicitation activity, the IPA strongly encourages that certain best practices be adopted.

First, as noted above, person-to-person interactions should be minimized. If business can instead be conducted through phone, email, Zoom chats, utilizing e-signatures, or otherwise using mediums non-reliant on person-to-person interactions, public health interests as served by utilizing those measures.
Second, even under Phase 3 of the Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan, certain best practices continue to be required. For example, utilizing face coverings in public still stands as a requirement under Phase 3 just as it was under Phase 2. And while certain industries can begin returning to workplaces, social distancing and proper sanitization practices are required to be put in place. The IPA believes these practices should likewise be required for any solar sales and solicitation practices involving any in-person interactions, and strongly encourages Approved Vendors to ensure that any sales agents or other individuals interfacing with customers are specifically trained in how to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Third, even if certain practices are not prohibited under the requirements issued by the IPA, Approved Vendors, designees, subcontractors, and agents should understand and operate mindful of any local requirements (some of which may be stricter than IPA requirements).

OFFICE REOPENINGS

Nothing in the IPA’s in-person marketing and solicitation prohibition is intended to address whether corporate, satellite, or other offices of an Approved Vendor, designee, subcontractor, or agent may reopen. The IPA understands those decisions to be governed by the Governor’s five-phase Restore Illinois Plan and, once permitted by state and local authorities, subject to the determinations of that company’s leadership.

From the IPA: COVID-19 Marketing Guidelines Update and Clarifications

Tue, 19 May 2020 20:04:41 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency provides the following communication as an update and clarification of its prohibition on in-person marketing and solicitation issued on March 20, 2020.

At present, the IPA’s emergency revisions to its marketing guidelines prohibiting in-person marketing and solicitation remain in effect until further notice. In responding to questions about when that prohibition may be lifted, the IPA has offered the following statement:

Given the unknown trajectory of COVID-19 and by when social distancing measures can safely be eased, the Illinois Power Agency cannot offer an estimate for by when person-to-person solar solicitations will be once again allowed under the Adjustable Block Program or the Illinois Solar for All Program. However, the Agency’s approach is likely to track the approach taken by the Illinois Commerce Commission and other state public utility commissions regarding their in-person solicitation prohibitions applicable to retail electric supply products. In addition, the Agency will also be closely monitoring the Governor’s Executive Orders, disaster declaration, and stay-at-home orders before making any determination.

The IPA understands that some (and possibly all) regions of Illinois may reach Phase 3 in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Reopening Plan on May 29th. While a change to a region’s status will not necessarily determine whether the IPA’s in-person marketing and solicitation prohibition remains in place for that region, the IPA plans to assess the basis for its prohibition at that time and hopes to offer further guidance during the first week of June. Possible changes could include relaxation of prohibitions for certain regions or for select types of activities, but no determinations have yet been made, nor will be made, until that time.

Over the past two months, the IPA has received questions about the scope of the current prohibitions; clarifications offered are memorialized below.

Project development work (such as system installation) is not prohibited under the IPA’s revised marketing guidelines. However, all Approved Vendors should operate mindful of this ongoing public health emergency and the Governor’s Executive Orders. Additionally, under no circumstances should installation activity proceed over the objections of the customer or property owner.
More passive forms of in-person marketing and solicitation – such as tabling at retail stores or events, or door-to-door distribution of marketing materials such as advertising flyers – are prohibited. The IPA’s objective is to reduce unnecessary person-to-person contact in connection with the marketing of photovoltaic systems or community solar subscriptions, and these activities increase the likelihood of unnecessary person-to-person interactions.

Lastly, should you have any questions about the scope of this prohibition, please contact the IPA’s Chief Legal Counsel at Brian.Granahan@Illinois.gov.

We look forward to providing you with additional guidance in approximately two weeks’ time.

Pritzker Administration Announces $25 Million Fast-Track Grants to Accelerate Planned Infrastructure Projects in the Wake of Covid-19

Thu, 14 May 2020 21:35:51 GMT

State leverages Rebuild Illinois Dollars to Support Public Infrastructure Projects and Construction Jobs for Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 12, 2020

CONTACT: Gov.Press@illinois.gov

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Grants, an initiative to accelerate work on planned public infrastructure projects around the state. The State is expediting $25 million of existing Rebuild Illinois funding to local public infrastructure projects that are ready to begin work this summer, as many local governments face lost revenues, impacting their ability to finance these projects.

While COVID-19 places a unique economic burden on communities across the state, this shift in grant funding will help accelerate construction on planned infrastructure projects, while helping return skilled labor to work.

“I’m proud to announce we are moving forward with $25 million in DCEO grants to help local governments jumpstart public infrastructure projects for the summer construction season,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This will keep key public infrastructure projects in the pipeline, and support the return of skilled labor to job sites for the busy summer season. Starting today, local governments with shovel ready projects – including school districts, townships, and other entities – can apply for this funding.”

The Fast-Track program leverages funding from Rebuild Illinois, the state’s multi-year capital plan, for allocation to shovel-ready projects just in time for the summer construction season. Fast-Track frontloads a portion of an existing Notice of Funding, to expedite funds available for grants ranging in size between $500,000 and $5 million. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, with projects submitted in underserved areas to be given priority.

“We recognize the unique challenge and burdens that COVID-19 is placing on us all, and we are taking steps to provide relief to businesses and communities,” said DCEO Director Erin Guthrie. "Through the Fast Track Public Infrastructure Grants Program, the administration will provide a much-needed boost for workers across the state as well as the critical infrastructure projects our state depends on."

The Fast-Track grants will help restore key public works projects that may have otherwise been cancelled and will help skilled labor return to the job in time for the construction season. Funds can be used to support projects such as expansions of water and sewer systems and reinvestment to modernize schools and other public buildings.

“This program is about putting people back on the job now,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “We applaud Gov. Pritzker for being proactive and innovative. The return of every dollar spent on public works is another brick in rebuilding our economy – both in terms of jobs created and economic development created by improved infrastructure.”

Eligible grantees are local governments and other public entities with significant public infrastructure projects that could commence work within 90 days of receiving award notice. Projects eligible for grant funding must be public assets, must be permanent in nature and must not have recurring project expenses. Fast-Track projects must meet shovel-ready criteria, as well as the minority business participation requirements of the State of Illinois' Business Enterprise Program. To apply for the grants, please visit https://bit.ly/2xqjOad.

These Fast Track grants accelerate a portion of an ongoing $50 million Notice of Funding Opportunity for public infrastructure. Communities that need more time or that do not have projects that meet the shovel-ready criteria may submit an application to receive a grant for the remainder of the funds by June 30.

Source funding for the Fast Track grants is generated by Rebuild Illinois– a $45 billion plan passed by Governor Pritzker to provide the state’s first comprehensive capital plan in more than a decade. DCEO has been charged with spearheading a number of Rebuild Illinois programs, including investments to expand broadband capacity, fund new public works projects, incentivize business development, and other initiatives designed to promote economic growth for all communities across the state.

The Fast Track grants program is one of a number of economic assistance initiatives designed by DCEO to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic—with relief programs making more than $100 million available to Illinois communities in response to COVID-19. These emergency relief initiatives include the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program, Emergency Hospitality Grants, the Emergency Small Business Loan Fund, and other targeted assistance to serve businesses and communities with the greatest needs.

DCEO will conduct a series of webinars and outreach to local governments to provide information on the new Fast Track grants. For a list of upcoming webinars as well as a list of resources available to small businesses please visit DCEO's website.

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IPA: Group A Small DG Block 2 Opening Capacity

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 18:51:33 GMT

Upon the closure of Group A Small DG Block 1 on March 31, 2020 at 4:59pm, the opening capacity of Group A Small DG Block 2 is 16.725 MWac.

The Program Administrator announced on April 1, 2020 that Group A Small DG Block 1 had closed. Per Section 6.3.2 of the Revised Long-Term Plan, this Block was held open for an additional 7 calendar days beyond the date on which it had reached capacity. Any Group A Small DG applications submitted as part of a paid batch on or prior to March 31, 2020 at 4:59 PM Central Prevailing Time were allocated to Block 1, and thus received Block 1 pricing, provided that the application fee was paid within 10 business days following batch submittal. Any Group A Small DG applications submitted as part of a paid batch after that time will be allocated to Block 2.

The capacity allocated to Block 1 during this 7-day soft close period impacts the capacity available for Block 2. Any applications submitted as part of a paid batch during the soft close period that exceeded the original 22 MW capacity of Group A Small DG Block 1 were deducted from the original capacity of 22 MW for Group A Small DG Block 2. Because an additional 5.275 MW of capacity was allocated to Group A Small DG Block 1 during the soft close period (for a total of 27.275 MW of Block 1 capacity), Group A Small DG Block 2 has an opening capacity of 16.725 MW, not the original capacity of 22 MW.

The final calculation of the opening capacity of Group A Small DG Block 2 was not known until at least 10 business days had passed from the closure of Block 1. Capacity allocated to projects in Group A Small DG Block 1 that are subsequently withdrawn will be added to Group A Small DG Block 2 capacity.

Call for Participation at Solar 20/20

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:35:33 GMT

The submission deadline for the Call for Participation at SOLAR 20/20 has been EXTENDED to February 1! Share your research, programs, operations, personal actions, and visions at SOLAR 20/20! Learn more at ases.org/participatesolar2020 or contact solar2020@ases.org.

ISEA 2019 Tesla Raffle Winner Announced!

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:51:26 GMT

Congratulations to Ticket Number 5887 held by Jeff from Michigan!

Thank you all for participating in ISEA's 2019 Tesla Model X Raffle! Even if you did not win, you contributed to an important cause: the future of renewable energy.

ISEA is committed to advocating for sound state policies to support the funding and growth of renewable energy. ISEA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the state resource for renewable energy related policy developments, educational classes, events and access to local renewable energy businesses. ISEA also organizes grassroots advocacy and relays essential information to legislators concerning renewable energy.

Continue supporting renewable energy by becoming an ISEA member.

If you did not win the raffle this year, look out for the announcement of the 2020 Tesla Raffle! Don't miss this important announcement by following ISEA on facebook and twitter!

We cannot thank you enough for all your support to not only ISEA, but also the future of renewable energy.

Sincerely,

Illinois Solar Energy Association

A Message from ISEA's Executive Director

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:49:45 GMT

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is in the process of organizational changes in order to continue to advance our mission to promote the widespread application of solar in Illinois.

Founded in 1979 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the organization was focused on public education for the majority of its history. In the last decade ISEA expanded its efforts to include working to ensure stable policies and regulations for solar development in Illinois.

Currently ISEA is 600 members strong comprised of both business and individual memberships. In order to ensure that the dual focus of education and advocacy continues to grow along with the industry and development in the state, ISEA is launching a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association. This organization will allow ISEA to expand its efforts in policy and advocacy. All ISEA business members will be part of the 501(c)6 trade association beginning in 2020 and individual members will remain members of the 501(c)3.

All current Illinois Solar Energy Association members will be asked to vote to change the name of the 501(c)3 to the Illinois Solar Education Association in elections taking place in December. The Illinois Solar Energy Association will become the name of the trade association.

We at ISEA are very excited about these changes and believe that the two organizations working in tandem will best support the growth of clean energy in our state!

Let’s keep growing!

Lesley McCain

Executive Director

2020 Solar Training Academy Registration is Now Open!

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:55:37 GMT

Early Bird Discount Ends Dec. 1st!
Hosted by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association

What is the Solar Training Academy?
The Solar Training Academy was developed to prepare students for careers in the solar industry, and give participants a leg-up when pursuing solar jobs. And Solar Installer is one of the fastest growing jobs in the US!

Designed to fit your busy schedule, our Solar Training Academies are a series of weekend classes providing students with industry-leading solar technical training. Topics include photovoltaic (PV) fundamentals, PV site assessment practices, and design principles and considerations.

Upon academy completion, students qualify to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate Exam, an increasingly sought-after solar credential valued by the industry.

THIS IS YOUR SOLAR PROFESSIONAL GATEWAY!
Learn more and register: midwestrenew.org/sta

Support for the Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:45:09 GMT

Organizations across the country understand what clean energy means for jobs, economic growth and the environment. This week more than 70 industry associations and advocacy groups are calling for an extension of the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for renewable energy. This tax credit rewards homeowners and businesses that are doing their part to speed our transition to clean energy and has already created hundreds of thousands of jobs and added billions in private investment to our communities. From homebuilders to bird watching enthusiasts, associations across the country are now calling on Congress to protect the ITC and pass the Renewable Energy Extension Act, a five-year extension of this critical policy. Learn more here.

300 Communities Recently Given SolSmart Designation

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:00:28 GMT

Congratulations to the newly announced 300 SolSmart Communities in the U.S. We are proud to say Illinois leads the pack with 41 SolSmart communities, more than any other state. SolSmart designees are communities that have demonstrated streamlined local procedures to make it easier for homes and businesses to install solar energy systems. Congratulations again to all the communities making a difference to increase solar energy in our country! Check out more information here.

Illinois Supreme Court Rejects ComEd's Petition for Leave to Appeal

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:07:56 GMT

The Illinois Supreme Court has rejected ComEd’s Petition for Leave to Appeal the Second District’s decision to allow munis and coops to participate in the Adjustable Block program. The Second District’s order will now stand and ComEd, to the extent they disagree, will need to seek a legislative solution or argue the issue in the pending LTRRPP update.

Read more about the decision on the Petition for Leave to Appeal on page 21 of the PDF here.

2019 Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 Awards Announced

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 16:53:09 GMT

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2019 Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 Awards, including the President and Founder of Simpleray Solar Tyler Anderson! Midwest Energy News’ 40 Under 40 awards program highlights emerging leaders throughout the region and their work in America’s transition to a clean energy economy. See the list of recipients here.

Low-Income Community Solar Pilot RFP

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 16:35:55 GMT

Section 1-56(b)(2)(D) of the Illinois Power Agency Act requires the development of a Low-Income Community Solar Pilot Project sub-program as part of the Illinois Solar for All Program.

To meet this requirement, as provided for in the Illinois Power Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, the Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) will be conducting a competitive procurement event for Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) from Low-Income Community Solar Pilot Projects under 15-year contracts starting in Fall 2019. Projects selected through the Illinois Solar for All Low-Income Community Solar Pilot (“Low-Income Community Solar Pilot RFP”) will receive a $/REC price determined through a competitive bidding process and the RECs will be purchased by the IPA.

Preliminary proposal requirements and draft contract terms for the Low-Income Community Solar Pilot RFP will soon be made available on the procurement administrator’s website (https://www.ipa-energyrfp.com/community-solar-pilot/) .

Please note that this is one of two low-income community solar sub-programs under Illinois Solar for All; for non-pilot low-income community solar projects, the IPA is also administering a Low-Income Community Solar sub-program. Please see https://www.illinoissfa.com/programs/community-solar/ for more information.

RFI - City of Chicago Municipal Electricity Supply, including Renewable Generation Resources

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:18:31 GMT

Please be advised the following was posted on the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services website on April 5, 2019.

RFI – City of Chicago Municipal Electricity Supply, including Renewable Generation Resources.

All questions should be submitted to electricitysupply@cityofchicago.org by April 19, 2019.

IPA Announcement: Adjustable Block Program Discretionary Capacity Allocation

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:15:10 GMT

The IPA and the Program Administrator announce the allocation of the remaining 25% of Program capacity (approximately 166.5 MW). The Agency has allocated the remaining Adjustable Block Program capacity in a manner which it believes best accommodates the considerations applicable to its allocation. The discretionary allocations for each Group/category along with the Agency’s rationale for this decision can be found in the Allocation of Adjustable Block Program Discretionary Capacity Rationale document.

The Agency and the Program Administrator appreciate the hard work and massive commitment of resources provided by Approved Vendors and other parties in preparing the project applications received during the program’s launch. While we understand that not every stakeholder will agree with this allocation of discretionary capacity, it is the product of attempting to balance competing concerns against the backdrop of a limited budget. Not all applicant projects can be supported in the program’s first phase, and we hope to support many additional projects in future years.

IPA Announcement: Group B Large DG Block 2 Closing

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 16:22:51 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) and Program Administrator announce that Block 2 for the Group B, Large Distributed Generation (“DG”) project category (i.e. DG projects from 10 kW-2MW) is closing. Block 2 will remain open for the next 14 days per the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan’s “soft closing” concept which states that blocks will be “held open until the later of (i) 45 calendar days after opening, or (ii) when the block is filled (in which case the block would be held open for an additional 14 additional calendar days after it is filled).”

Block 2 will close Friday, April 5, 2019 at 5:00 PM Central Prevailing Time. Assuming available capacity, projects in batches submitted during this 14-day window will receive Block 2 pricing if the project application is approved by the Program Administrator, with approval subject to the availability of capacity within this category (capped by the combined capacity of Blocks 2 and 3) plus any discretionary capacity allocated to Group B, Large DG that is announced. Once the 14-day window has concluded, Block 2 will be considered closed and Block 3 will open, to the extent that any Block 3 capacity remains available. Once the combined capacity of Blocks 1-3 has been reached, batches will be considered on a first come/first served basis, and will be deemed eligible for any Block 4 discretionary capacity allocated to the Group B, Large DG category on that basis should the Agency allocate discretionary capacity to Group B, Large DG.

Consistent with the process described in the paragraph A.2 of the Program Guidebook, all Group B, Large DG projects that applied to the Adjustable Block Program in the first 14 days after Program opening (January 30, 2019) will receive Block 1 pricing if the project application is approved. Because the capacity of project applications received during those 14 days (approximately 97 MW) was at least 100% and under 200% of Block 1 capacity, Block 2 in the Group B, Large DG category opened automatically after the first 14 days.

The IPA expects to announce its allocation of discretionary capacity next week, which will provide additional Program capacity at Block 4 pricing.

As a reminder, Group A, Large DG, and both Group A and Group B, Community Solar categories will be subject to the lottery procedures, with each of those three lotteries scheduled for April 10, 2019. Groups A and B, Small DG remain open in Block 1.

Update on Adjustable Block Program Lottery Date

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:30:10 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency and the Adjustable Block Program Administrator announce that the Adjustable Block Program lottery will be rescheduled from March 21, 2019 to April 10, 2019.

Based on processing the Part 1 project applications submitted during the first 14 days of the Adjustable Block Program, the Program Administrator has determined that additional time will be required to ensure a complete and comprehensive review of all applications prior to the lottery required for each of three Group/category combinations (Group A – Large DG; Group A – Community Solar; Group B – Community Solar), while still providing the 14-day cure period for projects that require additional information or clarification. The initial review of applications has required a more complex and extensive review and approval process than originally anticipated, and the Program Administrator seeks to ensure that there is adequate time to obtain all information required to ensure that every application submitted in time for the lottery is adequately reviewed and each project is duly qualified for participation.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for this delay, but believe that through the additional time allowed by an April 10, 2019 lottery date, no additional delays are likely to be required.

RFP from Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 20:20:03 GMT

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new, residential and commercial, direct-owned and power purchase agreement photovoltaic systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.

The group buy is being led by Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The goal of the group buy is to increase solar education and installations in Champaign and Piatt Counties through a group purchase involving free information sessions and a competitive selection process.

Between 2013 and 2018, the MREA facilitated twenty-two Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 6,000 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 7,400 kW on over 1,000 properties. Among those property owners who received proposals from partnering contractors, an average 42% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.5 kW.

The group buy is conducted with the support of the City of Monticello, Piatt County, City of Savoy, City of Urbana, Prairie Rivers Network, Parkland College and associated municipalities and community groups with wide publicity and awareness in the area.

Click here to go to the RFP announcement page where you can download the Request for Proposals. NOTE: The website will be updated soon, so if the link stops working, please email Peter Murphy at peterm@midwestrenew.org.

RFP Announced February 22, 2019

RFP Questions Due/Posted March 8, 2019

RFP Proposals Due March 15, 2019

Firm Selected April 1, 2019

IPA Updates - Lottery Date, Community Solar Brochure, REC Contract Q&A

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 18:04:53 GMT

Tentative Lottery Date Announced and Status Update on Block 1 Applications

The Illinois Power Agency and the Program Administrator wish to announce that based upon Part 1 project applications submitted during the first 14 days of the Adjustable Block Program, it appears that there will be lotteries for the following Group/category combinations:

Group A - Large DG (133 MW of applications received)

Group A - Community Solar (940 MW of applications received)

Group B - Community Solar (864 MW of applications received)

According to Section A.1 of the Lottery Procedure, a lottery would be triggered in a Group/category combination if the applications during the first 14 days totaled over 200% of the size of the applicable Block 1. For Group A, Block 1 in any category is 22 MW, while for Group B, Block 1 in any category is 52 MW. Therefore, the applicable thresholds for a lottery were 44 MW of applications in a Group A category and 104 MW of applications in a Group B category.

The tentative date for the lottery is March 21, 2019. More details on the lottery will be released in the coming weeks.

Group B - Large DG, Block 1 received approximately 97 MW of applications by February 13^th at noon. If all of those applications are approved, approximately 7 MW of capacity will remain in Block 2 (in addition to 13 MW in Block 3). However, until all these applications have been reviewed it is not possible to definitively determine how much of Block 2 remains open or even if Block 1 has been filled. The Program Administrator intends to announce that Block 1 has been filled when at least 52 MW of applications have been approved and Block 2 will remain open for at least 45 days from that date, based on Sections A.2.a and C.4 of the Lottery Procedure. The Program Administrator will announce the remaining total of Block 2 when all applications received by February 13^th at noon have been reviewed.

For each of Groups A and B - Small DG, Block 1 was not filled (approximately 4 MW of applications received in each Group) and remains open.

The project application portal will remain open for application submittals. However, for the Group/category combinations that will have lotteries, any applications submitted after the 12:00 Noon, February 13, 2019 deadline for the lottery will be chronologically placed on the waiting list behind projects submitted to, but not selected in, the lottery. Due to the large number of projects submitted to those Group/category combinations the waitlist in these Group/category combinations may be significantly long. Please keep this in mind in submitting future applications to these Group/category combinations.

The IPA and the Program Administrator appreciate all of the hard work of Approved Vendors and other parties in preparing the over 3,000 project applications received during the first 14 days of the program.

Community Solar Brochure and Spanish DG Brochure Released

The Illinois Shines Community Solar informational brochure is now live and accessible on both the Adjustable Block Program website and Illinois Shines website.

Additionally, for Approved Vendors that work with primarily Spanish speaking customers, the Illinois Shines Distributed Generation informational brochure is now live and accessible in Spanish on both the Adjustable Block Program website and Illinois Shines website.

A Spanish version of the Illinois Shines Community Solar informational brochure is currently being developed and will be available in the near future.

REC Contract Questions and Answers Document Posted

As part of the Final REC Contract Announcement, the Illinois Power Agency and the Program Administrator invited written questions on the Final REC Delivery Contract, to be submitted by January 31, 2019. These questions and the answers to these questions have now been posted here.

Illinois Adjustable Block Program Lottery Deadline

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:35:41 GMT

The deadline to ensure that Illinois Adjustable Block Program project applications are included in any potential lottery, if needed within a Group/category combination, is 12:00 PM (noon) CST on February 13, 2019. All batches that have been created within the application portal by the deadline will be reviewed by the Program Administrator for inclusion in a potential lottery. All application fee payments must have been initiated by the deadline of 12:00 PM CST on February 13, 2019.

After the lottery deadline has passed, the application portal will remain open to new applications for all Group/category combinations, in accordance with the Program Guidebook. The volume of project applications received for each Group and project category in the program are available on the Illinois Adjustable Block Program website dashboard.

NABCEP Now Offers Digital Badges for All of its Board Certified Professionals

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:45:28 GMT

NABCEP now offers digital badges for all of its Board Certified Professionals. Check out a sample digital badge here, and if you're NABCEP Board Certified, check your email to accept your badge today!

Illinois Adjustable Block Program Opens for Project Applications

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:24:30 GMT

The Illinois Adjustable Block Program, also known as “Illinois Shines," opened for project applications on January 30, 2019. The Adjustable Block Program provides incentives to facilitate the development of new photovoltaic distributed generation and community solar projects, with successful applicants receiving payments for 15 years of renewable energy credit deliveries from those projects.

The volumes of project applications received for each block in the program are available on the Illinois Adjustable Block Program website dashboard. The dashboard shows megawatts of capacity submitted into each block, broken down by submission type, geography, and review status. The dashboard is updated every evening at 9:00 PM.

ComEd Now Accepting Customer Applications for Solar Rebates

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 22:05:45 GMT

CHICAGO (December 13, 2018) – ComEd announced today that commercial and industrial customers can begin submitting applications for rebates of $250 per kilowatt of installed solar energy as approved last month by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The rebate will reduce up-front installation costs and spur renewable energy development, and it is available to ComEd business customers who adopted solar after June 1, 2017.

Rebate amounts will be based on the capacity of a company’s solar project. A 1,000-kilowatt project, for example, will be eligible for a rebate of $250,000. Rebates will be fulfilled within 60 days of receipt of a completed application.

“Our new rebate program is a strong demonstration of the commitment we’re making to increase access to renewable energy and create new value and more choices for our customers,” said Veronica Gomez, senior vice president of regulatory and energy policy, ComEd. “This is an important milestone for ComEd and for customers seeking clean energy alternatives, and it will further reinforce Illinois’ growing reputation for energy innovation.”

The rebate is also available to community supply project owners, operators or customers receiving community supply service. Owners or operators of a community supply project produce and provide energy to the grid, while subscribers to the project receive credits based on their share of the total energy produced.

This rebate program rewards commercial and industrial customers for generating clean energy much like ComEd’s residential net metering customers already receive credits on their bill when they produce more energy than they use with a private solar energy system installed at their home.

Eligible customers can learn more about the new ComEd rebate program requirements and apply for a rebate at www.comed.com/DGrebate.

ISEA Tesla Model X Raffle Winner Drawn

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:22:41 GMT

Congratulations to the holder of ticket number 6273!

You can watch the recording of the drawing yourself on ISEA's Facebook page, where we recorded a Facebook Live video.

From the IPA: Recordings and Presentations from November 30th Stakeholder Meeting Now Available

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:00:36 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency and the Program Administrator held two stakeholder meetings in Chicago on November 30, 2018. The first meeting covered the draft community solar marketing guidelines, draft brochure, and draft community solar consumer protection disclosure forms. The second meeting covered the draft program guidebook.

Click here to view a full recording of the first stakeholder meeting that covered the community solar draft documents. You can also download a copy of the presentation used during this meeting.

Click here to view a full recording of the second stakeholder meeting that covered the draft program guidebook. A copy of the presentation is also available for download.

The Program Administrator will accept comments on both the community solar draft documents and the draft program guidebook by email at comments@illinoisabp.com until December 10, 2018 at 5:00 PM CST.

Nominations Open for ISEA Board Elections

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 19:28:03 GMT

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is pleased to announce that the application period for the Board of Directors 2019/20 election is now open. Three seats are being run.

The ISEA Board of Directors represents the membership of the organization by providing direction and support.

Prior to applying, please review the Board of Director position description and responsibilities.

Please visit this page to access the application process and election details.

Electronic submissions of candidacy, as outlined in the application process, will be accepted until 12 PM, local time on December 5, 2018.

Please use "ISEA 2019/20 Board of Elections Nomination" as the subject line of your email to indicate your intentions.

Candidates also have the opportunity to announce their candidacy during the ISEA Member Meeting on December 6th. Such candidates should prepare a written statement of their candidacy, based on the application guidelines.

From the IPA: November 30, 2018: Workshop on Community Solar Disclosure Forms & Program Guidelines for Application Submittal

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:51:03 GMT

The Illinois Power Agency and the Adjustable Block Program Administrator will hold two stakeholder meetings on November 30, 2018. Please note this is an adjustment from the tentatively published date. The first meeting will be held from 10:00 AM –12:00 PM CST and cover draft community solar marketing guidelines, draft brochure, and community solar consumer protection disclosure forms. The second meeting will be held from 1:00-5:00 PM CST and cover the draft program guidelines for project application submittal. Both meetings will be held at the following location:

James R. Thompson Center
Assembly Hall, Lower Level
100 West Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601

Both meetings will also be accessible via webinar.

The 10:00 AM meeting will be accessible at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/219694470 You can call into the webinar by phone at +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8665 and Meeting ID: 219 694 470
To automatically add this link to your calendar you can click:
Google Calendar – https://zoom.us/meeting/219694470/calendar/google/add
Outlook Calendar – https://zoom.us/meeting/219694470/ics

The 1:00 PM meeting will be accessible at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/671109232 You can call into the webinar by phone at +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8665 and Meeting ID: 671 109 232
To automatically add this link to your calendar you can click:
Google Calendar – https://zoom.us/meeting/671109232/calendar/google/add
Outlook Calendar – https://zoom.us/meeting/671109232/ics

Draft documents to be discussed at this stakeholder meeting are expected to be released by November 26, 2018. The Program Administrator will accept comments on all material covered in this stakeholder process by email at comments@illinoisabp.com until December 10th, 2018 at 5:00 PM CST.

Source

Solar Panels for Habitat for Humanity!

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 19:51:21 GMT

Let’s harvest some sunshine together! ISEA, on behalf of Go Green Wilmette, asks you to donate to Habitat for Humanity – Lake County to help raise $20,000 to install solar panels on the home being built by the New Trier High School Senior Class this spring. New Trier students raise the funds needed to cover the cost of the house. Supporters of renewable energy are committed to raising an additional $20K to pay for the solar system and its long-term maintenance. Your donation, regardless of amount, will help us achieve our goal.

Please donate here: www.chicagolandhabitat.org/solarpanelsnths

This project will be the very first Habitat for Humanity home in the state of Illinois with solar panels, providing reduced-cost, renewable energy for the low-income homeowner! We are collaborating with Go Green Winnetka, Go Green Kenilworth, Go Green Northfield and Go Green Glencoe on this solar crowd-funding effort. Read about the project on the New Trier website:

http://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/get_involved/sustainability/news/area_environmental_groups_fundraise_to_install_solar_panels_on_new_trier_class_of_2018_habitat_for_humanity_house/

An anonymous donor has given us a $5,000 matching gift – for every dollar we raise, the donor will match it dollar for dollar up to $5,000. We need your contribution to meet the matching gift. Your donation will go directly to cover the cost of the solar panels. We have already raised several thousand dollars from individuals plus a $1,000 gift from Go Green Wilmette. With the $5,000 matching gift, challenging us to raise another $5,000, we are closing in on our goal.

Please help us fund the solar installation by donating directly to Habitat for Humanity here: www.chicagolandhabitat.org/solarpanelsnths

Help Install Solar Panels on Habitat for Humanity House!

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 16:50:06 GMT

Solar Supporters, let’s harvest some sunshine together! Go Green Wilmette is writing to ask you to donate to Habitat for Humanity – Lake County to help raise $20,000 to install solar panels on the home being built by the New Trier High School Senior Class this spring. New Trier students raise the funds needed to cover the cost of the house. Supporters of renewable energy are committed to raising an additional $20K to pay for the solar system and its long-term maintenance. Your donation, regardless of amount, will help us achieve our goal.

Please donate here: www.chicagolandhabitat.org/solarpanelsnths

http://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/get_involved/sustainability/news/area_environmental_groups_fundraise_to_install_solar_panels_on_new_trier_class_of_2018_habitat_for_humanity_house/

Please help us fund the solar installation by donating directly to Habitat for Humanity here: www.chicagolandhabitat.org/solarpanelsnths

Illinois energy policy should benefit all of Illinois

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 17:30:17 GMT

Source

When the Future Energy Jobs Act was signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in December of 2016 it was called the single most significant clean energy policy in the state’s history. Supporters of the legislation hailed elements of the law that would bring community solar to Illinois, and others pointed to innovative programs like the Illinois Solar for All program, which was intended to make solar energy a catalyst for economic development in Illinois’ lower income communities.

Last week, however, a different interpretation of the law came down, and unless it is fixed, Illinois Solar for All will only be available to some, and those in Springfield will be among those on the outside.

An administrative law judge at the Illinois Commerce Commission recommended that the commissioners adopt a proposal by ComEd that contends that municipal and cooperative utilities should be excluded from many FEJA funding opportunities, including the community solar program and the Illinois Solar for All Program. I’m hopeful that the commission will recognize how this decision constricts the benefits of FEJA, and I want to outline some of those concerns.

FEJA compliance is accomplished by the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) created by renewable energy projects. If adopted, the state would not purchase renewable energy credits from rooftop and community solar installations located in municipal and rural electric co-op territories. This would be devastating to solar development for many central and southern Illinois homeowners, businesses, and renewable energy companies. In fact, unless it is overturned, it would cut out about a quarter of electric customers in central and southern Illinois, excluding them from community solar projects and the widely applauded low-income solar program.

My company, WindSolarUSA, is a woman-owned business that I founded in 2008. Since June of 2015, almost 70 percent of the projects that my business has developed have been located in municipal and cooperative territories. Our own capital city of Springfield is a municipal utility and, if the ComEd proposal is adopted, will be excluded from participation in these programs. Historically all utility customers in the state have been allowed to participate in REC programs administered by the Illinois Power Agency. In fact, while the proposal would exclude some Illinois communities from participating in programs, the state would still be allowed to use money collected through law to buy RECs from utility scale wind and solar projects located out of state.

I have no question that when legislators passed FEJA, they intended the law to expand opportunities across the entire state. I am confident that when Rauner signed the law, he couldn’t have envisioned huge swaths of central and southern Illinois being cut out of the benefits. I am also hopeful that the commission will fix this wrong.

Leaving Illinoisans out of funding opportunities that would allow them to enjoy both the economic and environmental benefits that solar energy development will stunt job growth, it will block investment, and it will stifle revenue growth.

The passage of FEJA was celebrated across the state. Now it’s time for the commission to affirm that promise by saying that if a REC can come from Iowa wind power, it can come from a rooftop in co-op territory in Central Illinois. If Illinois Solar for All is good for Chicago, it’s good for Springfield. If community solar can happen in Peoria, it should also happen in Naperville. Let’s all hope the Commission does the right thing.

Michelle Knox is the owner and founder of WindSolarUSA, Inc., based in Springfield.

Take action yourself by contacting your officials here!

KCC, solar company join forces

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:53:01 GMT

Source

Cypress Creek Renewables and Kankakee Community College announced a partnership Monday afternoon that will further the school's investment in renewable energy education and provide job training for the future of solar.

The initiative, which includes a $10,000 investment by Cypress Creek, will provide scholarships and tuition assistance for students interested in solar technology. The announcement comes as KCC prepares to ramp up construction on its Advanced Technology Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will be home to its electrical technology and renewable energy programs. The project was delayed for a lack of state funding, but is back on track to finish in 2019.

"We were so far ahead of the curve at one time, we didn't know if other people would get caught up," KCC President Dr. John Avendano said of the school's energy programs. "The key is that people understand that there will be green jobs, using what I refer to as green skills. These are electrical technicians who will be working with green skills and green technology — solar, geothermal, wind — but they're still electricians and technicians."

Solar has the potential to be a major industry in Kankakee County, as the county board anticipates fielding a number of applications for solar farms this year. Currently, more than 3,500 jobs across the state depend on solar technology.

"The fact that a company like Cypress Creek is here giving scholarships to help educate people to work on solar projects, wind projects, all type of renewable energy projects, bodes well for our area and KCC to continue to be a leader in the field," said Tim Nugent, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. "Solar is going to be a really hot item over the next several years and the years to come."

Cypress Creek, which has similar partnerships with schools in New York and South Carolina, searched across the state for a school to partner with before picking KCC.

"After the search, we ran the idea by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and they basically told us we could not make a better choice. They endorsed KCC and we're thrilled to partner with the perfect college in this situation," said Scott Novack, senior developer for Cypress Creek.

The scholarship money is flagged to support a diverse program, with an emphasis on training women and veterans looking to break into the industry. Novack anticipates Cypress Creek projects will be important job creators in Kankakee County.

"Solar farm is very similar to other forms of real estate development in some ways. It's similar in that it requires a number of trades, oversight on the design process. Along the way there are a lot of qualified professionals that need to weigh in," he added. "We see a local workforce being able to contribute on a number of levels."

Solar Jobs Decline 4 Percent Nationwide, But 29 States See Job Growth

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:06:44 GMT

Source: Solar Foundation

The Solar Foundation released its eighth annual National Solar Jobs Census, a report on solar employment nationwide and by state. You can download the full report and view an infographic, state-by-state numbers, and other details at SolarJobsCensus.org.

This year, the National Solar Jobs Census 2017 reported the first decline in solar jobs since The Solar Foundation began tracking jobs in 2010. As of November 2017, the solar industry employs 250,271 workers -- a decline of 3.8%, or about 9,800 fewer jobs, since 2016.

While this may sound discouraging, it’s important to note that the long-term trend for solar jobs has been very strong. Solar employment since 2010 has grown by 168%, from just over 93,000 to more than 250,000 jobs in all 50 states.

At the state level, jobs declined in several states with well-established solar markets, including California, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Jobs increased in 29 states and the District of Columbia, including many states with emerging solar markets. States with significant employment gains include Utah, Minnesota, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and others.

Visit the Census web page for a complete table of solar jobs by state. Next month, we will release an update to our Solar Jobs Map with more detailed state jobs information and a breakdown by county, metro area, and congressional district.

Key factors behind the decline in solar jobs from 2016-2017 include:

A slowdown from the record-setting industry expansion seen in 2016, when installed capacity doubled in anticipation that the federal investment tax credit could expire. In 2017, solar installations continued at a more moderate pace.
Policy and economic challenges led to job declines in well-established solar states, such as California.
Uncertainty over the outcome of the Section 201 trade case and its impact on the U.S. solar market. While the Census survey took place in October and November 2017, before the final outcome of the trade case was known, 86% of solar companies indicated their businesses would be impacted negatively if trade restrictions were imposed.

Other key findings in this year’s Solar Jobs Census include:

Demand-side sectors (installation, sales & distribution, and project development) make up almost 78 percent of overall solar industry employment, while manufacturing makes up 15 percent. Demand-side sectors lost approximately 7,500 jobs in 2017, while manufacturing lost about 1,200 jobs.
The solar industry is more diverse than comparable industries, but more needs to be done to ensure it is representative of the greater U.S. population. Women made up 27 percent of the solar workforce in 2017, down 1 percent from 2016. Veterans made up 9 percent of solar workers, which is 2 percent more than the overall U.S. workforce.

Solar employs twice as many workers as the coal industry, almost five times as many as nuclear power, and nearly as many workers as the natural gas industry. (These comparisons with other industries are based on 2016 jobs numbers, the most recent data available for an apples-to-apples comparison.)
Solar jobs pay higher than the national average and are open to a wide range of experience levels and educational backgrounds.

Looking to the future, the industry faces major challenges in the coming year, including the impact of new tariffs. At the same time, continued state and local support, along with continued interest in decarbonization, resilience, and financial savings at the commercial, state, and local levels, all point to a strong long-term outlook for solar.

The full report includes much more detail on these findings, as well as information on installer efficiency; solar industry demographics; wages and hiring trends; recommendations; and more.

The Solar Jobs Census would not be possible without the participation of thousands of solar companies that take part in our annual survey. We thank you for participating and helping us obtain accurate, reliable data on employment in this dynamic, fast-growing industry.

Pre-Applications now available for Central Illinois Solar Workforce Pipeline Training Program

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:11:41 GMT

Pre-applications are being accepted for the new Central Illinois Solar Workforce Pipeline Training Program. The attached application must be completed and sent to either Peoria Jobs Partnership or Tri-County Urban League for initial screening and review. Addresses, websites and phone numbers are listed on the application.

Those interested may download and complete the pre-application.

Thanks to a $1 million grant from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), ICC, along with more than 15 community organizations and businesses, will offer the program, which is designed to build a workforce training program for solar technicians. ICC will serve as fiscal and lead agent for the program, with Illinois People’s Action/Heaven’s View Community Development Corp. and Tri-County Urban League acting as key partners.

Beginning in Spring 2018, ICC will begin training for approximately 120 students (30 students annually) over the four-year life of the grant.

After assessment, screening, and orientation, students who are admitted into the program will begin four weeks of soft skills and job readiness instruction and then will progress to five weeks of comprehensive solar technical training. This training also includes more than 58 hours of work-based learning opportunities at partnering businesses. Participants receive a weekly stipend of $10/hour while enrolled in the technical training component.

Ex-offenders (returning citizens), and former foster youth are encouraged to pre-apply. Applicants must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Visit the College News article for further details. For questions, call ICC at (309) 694-5-ICC.

Source

Solar PV Training Program for City and County Staff

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 00:39:50 GMT

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in support of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, is offering a no-cost solar photovoltaic (PV) training program for cities and counties seeking to add solar energy to their facilities (on both buildings and land). The training commitment will be approximately 20 hours over a 12-month period, primarily in 2018.

The training modules, which take about one hour each, cover the following topics:

Evaluation Framework and Goals
- Who should be involved in this process? How should solar opportunities be evaluated?
Site Screening and Evaluation
- How much PV can be installed on municipal buildings and land?
Site Assessment and Permitting
- How are projects permitted?
PV Financing
- What types of financing options are available for a PV system, and what are the tradeoffs of different financing options?
PV Policies and Incentives
- What policies and solar incentives can lower the cost of solar?
PV RFPs
- How is a request for proposals (RFP) issued for PV? What are the most important aspects to include in the RFP?

The series is comprised of virtual and in-person training options, and virtual modules are designed for multiple staff members to view together. No city or county staff are required to attend in‑person training. Upon completion, attendees will receive a one-on-one consultation with an NREL staff member to answer any additional questions. Attendees will also be given tools and resources and asked to share what they have learned with five additional cities or counties to help spread the word about adding solar energy to municipal facilities.

To apply, please complete and submit the short application form by Thursday, Nov. 30.

NABCEP and U.S. Department of Energy Develop Three New Specialty Certifications in Photovoltaic Design, Installer, and Commissioning & Maintenance

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:55:37 GMT

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the most widely respected certification organization in the renewable energy industry, announced three new specialty certifications for the solar industry. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative, the new certifications are: PV Design Specialist, PV Installer Specialist, and PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist. Beginning January 3rd, 2018, the new specialty certification exams, along with NABCEP’s PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification exam, will be offered via computer-based testing (CBT) at over 600 test sites in the U.S. and Canada.

Solar Needs Your Voice: Jobs Census 2017

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:53:08 GMT

The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit research organization, is commencing its data collection for its annual National Solar Jobs Census. This year, the survey will allow us to not only assess and analyze employment trends, but also understand potential impacts of proposed tariffs and other policy developments. By filling out this survey, your company can ensure that policymakers have complete and accurate data when making decisions related to the industry.

Please take the brief survey using the link below. Please be sure that a survey is completed for each of your U.S. locations. The link is specific to your location, so please do not forward this email outside of your organization.

Follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://bwresearch.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5upFCdEIpdKVBlP?Q_DL=6mmVgLxbiYRsplH_5upFCdEIpdKVBlP_MLRP_8dKLAzMO994oW4l&Q_CHL=email

As a token of appreciation, survey respondents can opt to receive a free copy of the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2016 Year in Review Full Report produced by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research. This report is valued at $4,000 for non-SEIA members.

PRIVACY POLICY: This research is being conducted for The Solar Foundation by BW Research Partnership, a private, independent consulting firm. Your participation and responses to this survey will not be made public and only non-identifying group statistics will be used when reporting results.

Since its inception in 2010, the Solar Jobs Census has been used nationwide to better understand trends and impacts in the industry.

SEIA Disaster Response

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 20:06:01 GMT

Tropical storms have devastated parts of the continental U.S. and U.S. Territories, leaving many without power. Puerto Rico’s electrical grid has been entirely knocked out with restoration estimated to take four to six months to complete. The solar industry has a unique opportunity to provide support for those impacted by these storms by donating products, along with volunteering and contributing to relief efforts.

SEIA is proud to help coordinate these efforts, but we need your support. We are developing partnerships and coordinating with agencies to most efficiently and effectively deliver supplies that are needed.

Read more and help out by clicking here.

News from CCSA: U.S. Community Solar Industry Welcomes Introduction of New Legislation in the U.S. Senate

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 20:27:44 GMT

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ben Finzel, 202-277-6286 ben@communitysolaraccess.org

U.S. Community Solar Industry Welcomes Introduction of New Legislation in the U.S. Senate

Bill from Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich Would Expand Consumer Access to Solar Nationwide

Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2017) – The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) welcomes newly introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to promote customer choice and the development of the community solar market nationwide. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2017 (S 1670) was introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) on Thursday, July 27, 2017 in the U.S. Senate to coincide with the First Annual CCSA Community Solar Summit, held in Denver last week with over 200 industry representatives.

“Community solar offers every American the opportunity to choose affordable, local clean energy,” said Jeff Cramer, Executive Director of the CCSA. “CCSA – and its 36 industry members – welcome United States Senators Bennet and Heinrich’s leadership to encourage the expansion of consumer choice and access to solar for all through this legislation.”

The new legislation makes permanent an existing U.S. Department of Energy program that promotes community solar by providing technical assistance at the request of state and local governments, and includes specific provisions focused on boosting community solar in low-income communities. The bill also encourages federal government participation in community solar nationwide.

Bill sponsor Senator Bennet published an op-ed on the bill hailing its introduction and highlighting community solar’s origins in Colorado, and importance for the country, writing on Medium that “Community solar is one of the most promising developments in renewable energy.”

“Clean Energy Collective pioneered the community solar business model in 2009, and has grown to employ over 100 workers out of our Louisville, CO headquarters, with hundreds more engineers and skilled laborers constructing and operating our projects across the country,” said Paul Spencer, CEO of Clean Energy Collective, one of the nation’s largest community solar providers. “We see firsthand the benefits these local clean energy

projects bring to communities, consumers, and the electric grid, and it is our mission to make affordable community solar an option for everyone who wants it.”

CCSA continues to work to expand consumer choice and access to solar in states across the country. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have community solar programs in place, and the standing-room only CCSA Community Solar Summit and accompanying Senate legislation and Op-Ed demonstrate the excitement and opportunity around community solar as more and more states develop and implement new programs.

“Community solar provides win-wins for consumers: savings on their electric bill, and the knowledge that they’re supporting local, safe, reliable, clean power generation for the grid,” added Cramer.

-###-

About CCSA: Founded in February 2016, CCSA is a business-led trade organization that works to expand access to clean, local, affordable energy nationwide through community solar. Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by individual community members, who receive credits on their electricity bills for their portion of the power produced. Community solar projects provide American homeowners, renters and businesses access to the benefits of solar energy generation

unconstrained by the physical attributes of their home or business, like roof space, shading, or whether or not they own their residence or building. These programs can also expand access to solar energy to low-income households. For more information, visit the website at www.communitysolaraccess.org, follow the Coalition on Twitter at @solaraccess and like the Coalition on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communitysolaraccess.

Wind and Solar RFP - Announcement: Procurement Event Begins

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:11:00 GMT

Public Act 99-0906, which became effective June 1, 2017, calls for an initial forward procurement of one million renewable energy credits (“RECs”) annually from new utility-scale wind projects and of one million RECs annually from new utility-scale solar projects and brownfield site photovoltaic projects. The delivery of RECs may begin as early as June 1, 2019 but not later than June 1, 2021.

The first event under this initial forward procurement begins with the posting of the calendar. An invitation to comment on the draft standard contract form will be issued later today. The first procurement event will seek the entirety of the one million RECs annually from new utility-scale wind projects and will seek a portion of the one million RECs annually from new utility-scale solar projects and brownfield site photovoltaic projects. There will be multiple events to procure RECs from new utility-scale solar projects and brownfield site photovoltaic projects.

Two webcasts will be held for the upcoming procurement event:

· A first webcast (called the “virtual contract workshop” in the procurement event calendar) will be held at 11 AM Central Prevailing time onTuesday, June 6, 2017. The objective of the webcast is to present the main terms of the draft standard contract form to prepare participants for submitting their comments. You may RSVP for the webcast by providing your name, company, and the number of lines needed at Illinois-RFP@nera.com.

· The second webcast is planned for June 28, 2017 to present the terms of the final standard contract form and RFP requirements. A further announcement will provide additional details.

To receive announcements and updates about this upcoming procurement event, join the mailing list.

INVITATION to Comment on the Draft Standard Contract Form

A draft standard contract form, the “draft REC Contract”, has been posted to the procurement website. This draft REC contract is proposed to be the standard contract form between each winning supplier in the Wind and Solar RFP and Ameren Illinois Company (“AIC”), Commonwealth Edison Company (“ComEd”), or MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”). The Wind and Solar RFP will seek to procure one million RECs annually from new utility-scale wind projects and will seek to procure a portion of one million RECs annually from new utility-scale solar projects and brownfield site photovoltaic projects.

The Procurement Administrator invites interested parties to comment on the draft standard contract form. The comment process is explained in the Invitation to Comment posted here. The process can be summarized as follows:

Submit your comments using tracked changes in Microsoft Word. We strongly encourage you to provide explanatory notes either in a separate document or highlighted in tracked changes.
Send your comments by email to the Procurement Administrator at: Illinois-RFP@nera.com.

The deadline to provide comments is 6 PM Central Prevailing Time on Wednesday, June 14, 2017.

RSVP Now! The Procurement Administrator also invites interested parties to participate in a webcast on June 6th at 11 AM CPT during which the Procurement Administrator will present the main terms of the draft REC Contract. You may RSVP for this webcast by providing your name, company, and the number of lines needed at Illinois-RFP@nera.com.

Please direct any questions regarding this comment process to the “Ask a Question” page of the procurement website.

Spring 2017 DG RFP Schedule Announced

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:04:07 GMT

The Spring 2017 Utility Distributed Generation RFP (“DG RFP”) is for the procurement of Renewable Energy Credits from distributed generation (“DG”) resources using the already collected funds from Alternative Compliance Payments.

The schedule for the DG RFP is posted to the Calendar page of the procurement website.

Part 1 Proposals are due on April 5, 2017 and Bids are due on April 28, 2017.

Draft supplier contracts are expected to be posted by February 28, 2017. An announcement will be sent to all registrants when these documents are posted.

If you would like to learn more, ISEA produced and recorded the following webinar on the topic:

"The Illinois solar industry is well-positioned to grow significantly in 2017.

"The Illinois Power Agency will conduct 2017 Spring and Fall Solar DG SREC Procurement totaling nearly $40M - more than the three previous Supplemental SREC Procurements combined.

"During this webinar, ISEA will summarize the upcoming procurement process and timeline, past SREC Procurement results, and will also provide attendees with background information that may benefit business marketing and messaging campaigns that encourage customers to go solar in 2017 as opposed to waiting for the new RPS implementation in 2018. There are distinct advantages to going solar sooner rather than later - is your business ready?"

View the slides here. Watch the webinar here.

In Illinois, new rules expected to make solar faster and cheaper

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:01:40 GMT

In Illinois, new rules expected to make solar faster and cheaper

By Kari Lydersen

Oct 19, 2016 - Read the whole article at Midwest Energy News.

Illinois lawmakers have adopted new interconnection standards that will make the solar siting and installation process significantly quicker and cheaper, clean energy advocates and utilities say.

Illinois Solar Energy Association USDA Grant Announcement

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 20:20:48 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2016

Contact:

Lesley McCain

Executive Director

Illinois Solar Energy Association

lesley.mccain@illinoissolar.org

847.924.7359

Illinois Solar Announces Solar Job Training Program

[Mt Vernon], ILLINOIS --- The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is pleased to announce that recently received a USDA Rural Business Development Grant award. The grant funds will be used to provide a six-week solar installation training to Southern Illinois electrical contractors. Upon completion participants in the training will be to be qualified to lead solar installations.

The grant which was submitted through USDA’s Rural Development office, located in Marion Illinois, provides funding in excess of $31,000 to provide classroom and hands-on training to both union and non-union electrical contractors in order to advance solar installations in the Southern Illinois region. Additional funding of $4,000 to support the in person and webinar portion of the training, has been received from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

In order to interconnect solar systems to the electric grid, Illinois law requires that electrical contractors be Distributed Generation (DG) certified. With only a few DG certified installers in the southern part of the state, ISEA recognizes that the lack of solar installers was a barrier to solar development in the region. Program trainees will be qualified to take the NABCEP exam, which when passed, will qualify them to be certified by the State.

Trainees will have an opportunity to exercise their newly gained skills by participating in 1kW solar installations at local schools. Grant funds for the installation portion of the training will be supplied by the Illinois Solar for Schools Program via the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and through product donations from The Solar Foundation.

The Illinois Solar Energy Associationis pleased to offer this opportunity to advance solar development in Southern Illinois, as well as accelerate economic development and job creation in the region.

About the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)

Established in 1975 The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) 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, ISEA is the local resource for educational classes, events, renewable energy related policy developments, local news and access to local renewable energy vendors. www.illinoissolar.org

###

ISEA Solar PV Raffle Winner

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:53:43 GMT

The winning ISEA PV Raffle ticket number is 1735! A new installation will soon belong to our lucky winner from Rolling Meadows, IL. Congrats!

Thank you to all who participated and continue to support ISEA's work!

ISEA Solar PV Raffle Drawing Location

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:09:17 GMT

Solar PV Raffle ticket sales end on Saturday, April 16th at 11pm CST

and

ISEA will be drawing the winner of our Solar PV Raffle at the

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

April 22, 2016 6:30-9:30pm

Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist

1025 N. Smith St, Palatine, IL

Join us for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Palatine! This is the second year hosting this event, sponsored by the Northwest Cook County Group of the Illinois Sierra Club and by Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist. They will screen two hours of short films celebrating nature and our connection to it, and telling the stories of activists working to preserve our environment for future generations. Admission is free. Advanced registration through Eventbrite is encouraged, but not required. A $5 per person donation is requested to help cover the cost of licensing the films.

For more information, click here.

Press Release: New Solar Jobs Numbers Show Broken Energy Policies Cost Illinois Jobs.

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 21:57:32 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 12, 2016

Contact:
David Jakubiak, ELPC
312-795-3713
djakubiak@elpc.org
@DavidELPC

Emily Rosenwasser, Sierra Club
312-251-1680 x119
emily.rosenwasser@sierraclub.org
@ERosenwasser

Angela Guyadeen, NRDC
312-651-7936
aguyadeen@nrdc.org
@Guyadeen

New solar jobs numbers show broken energy policies cost Illinois jobs.

Illinois drops two spots in solar job rankings while other states gain.

State must pass Illinois Clean Jobs Bill (SB1485/HB2607) to create more solar jobs.

New nationwide data released this week by the Solar Foundation show Illinois must fix its broken energy policies if it hopes to compete long-term for jobs in the booming solar and renewable energy fields.

The Solar Jobs Census showed that Illinois dropped two places in solar jobs in 2015, from 12th to 14th nationwide. Illinois lost more than 300 solar jobs over the year.

By comparison, other nearby states saw solid growth in 2015. Michigan added nearly 700 solar jobs, while Ohio added more than 500 jobs. Even more impressively, New York grew almost 1,000 solar jobs this year alone, enjoying a solar boom since it fixed its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2012. Experts say Illinois’ broken RPS blocks the type of investment that the state needs to compete.

The bipartisan Illinois Clean Jobs Bill would fix the RPS and expand it to 35% by 2030 (up from the current target of 25% by 2025). By also boosting energy efficiency, the bill will build 32,000 jobs and save consumers $1.6 billion.

“Make no mistake: the solar industry in Illinois has shown tremendous growth over the past several years, with more than 3,400 workers across the state, who are helping consumers save big money. But to continue this success and compete with other states, Illinois needs to update its policy, beginning with a working RPS,” said Lesley McCain, Executive Director of the Illinois Solar Energy Association.

“Creating a working RPS like the one envisioned in the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill would give companies and investors the reliability that they need,” said McCain, who added that last year Illinois legislators swept funds intended for renewable energy to plug holes in the state’s budget.

She added that other states are taking the lead in policies that encourage rooftop solar, community solar, low-income solar programs. The Illinois Clean Jobs Bill (SB1485/HB2607) calls for those policies, too, allowing Illinois to create more jobs.

“The time to act is now, because the rest of the country isn’t standing idly by, they are taking the initiative and building a clean energy economy while Illinois delays.”

Illinois’ drop in the national solar rankings mirrors the state’s recent experience in wind energy. Last year it was announced that Oklahoma had leap-frogged Illinois to become the 4th highest wind-producing state. Now, even Illinois’ #5 ranking is at risk, with Kansas having enough projects in the pipeline to surpass Illinois.

– 30 –

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is made up of Illinois businesses and organizations representing the state’s environmental, business and faith communities. Currently more than 160 businesses and 60 organizations have formally joined the coalition to promote steps to improve the Illinois environment, help consumers, improve public health, and create tens of thousands of new jobs across the state.

Tonight's Tesla Drawing

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:10:46 GMT

12/10/15 12:15PM CST

Hello Raffle Ticket Holders!

This is where we will be blogging on tonight's membership meeting and Tesla Raffle drawing!

Check back tonight for live updates! Membership meeting starts at 6PM CST, raffle drawing planned to be around 7:30PM CT. We will be announcing the winning ticket number.

7:40PM CST: Our meeting is running a bit behind schedule. Please stay tuned for raffle results!

7:45PM CST: ISEA year in review presentation from ISEA Executive Director, Lesley McCain.

7:55PM CST: Check out the ISEA Facebook and Twitter (@ILSolarEnergy) for pictures and more updates!

8:05PM CST: Quick solar policy update from ISEA policy committee chair and board member Lisa Albrecht happening now!

8:30PM CST: Reading ISEA board election candidate statements now. 10 total!

8:40PM CST: Drum roll please........

8:41PMCST: The winning ticket is 2127!!!!! Congrats!

DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate and Grant Program EXTENDED

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 19:25:56 GMT

ISEA is excited to announce that the DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate and Grant Program has been extended through December 31, 2020!

Due to sunset at the end of this month, an extension was approved by the legislature and signed by the Governor last Friday December 4th 2015. This is a big win and important milestone for ISEA as we sponsored this legislation in partnership with champions, Sen. David Koehler, Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie and the Illinois Environmental Council. Although there are still some unknowns due to the lack of a State budget, we are celebrating this victory! Stay tuned to ISEA for more information as it becomes available.

Save the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 18:56:59 GMT

Save the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The solar ITC, first funded in 2006, is a 30 percent federal tax credit for solar systems on commercial (under Section 48) and residential (under Section 25D) properties. After 2016, the residential credit will expire all together and the commercial credit will shrink to 10 percent. The inclusion of solar in the tax extenders bill this year is the linchpin of continuing the success of the growing solar market. For more background, here is an article that the Examiner wrote on the solar ITC earlier this year, as well as a website put together by The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC). The ITC is the only form of federal incentive support the solar industry receives, in contrast to dozens of subsidies and tax incentives other energy industries, including fossil fuels, have benefited from for decades.

Help us put solar on a level playing field with these industries!

Please call your legislators in the immediate as this opportunity may come up early next week and let them know how important this extension is for both the economy as well as the environment. Here is the link to find contact information for your U.S. Senators and Representatives.

ISEA BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:40:52 GMT

ISEA BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS:

Click here for POSITION DESCRIPTION, APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELECTION DETAILS.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There will be four Director positions for re-election for the 2016-18 term. Candidates are requested to submit their candidacy announcement in an email to contactisea@illinoissolar.org to the attention of the ISEA President Shannon Fulton and Secretary Brian Haug. In the email response please state the candidate’s name, affiliation (if any) and contact information, as well as a statement (up to 100 words) of their candidacy. Please put ISEA Board of Directors Application Statement in the subject line. Electronic submissions of candidacy to contactisea@illinoissolar.org will be accepted until 12 PM, local time on December 9, 2015.

Chicago Rezones Residential Garages to Allow More Solar!

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 19:37:36 GMT

Just this month, Chicago amended its Solar Zoning Policy to allow the installation of solar on residential garages. Specifically, the amendment removed the restriction on Accessory Structures in Residential Zoned districts. This change will allow solar to now be installed on both flat and pitched roof garages in all zoning districts. This is a welcome development for broad swaths of the City zoned exclusively for detached garages. This change is a great opportunity for homeowners that previously did not find it economical to install solar due to the layout or shading of their home’s roof. Allowing installation on garages offers additional opportunities to find that perfect location for solar.

Even for homeowners with existing solar installation, this zoning change provides an opportunity to expand the size of the system, provide additional energy cost savings, and add creative new multi-tasking solar installations. A PV canopy on top of a detached garage with a flat roof can create shade and protection from the elements while providing a renewable source of electricity for plug-in electric vehicles charging in the garage below.

Cook County Seeking Rooftops and Land to be Analyzed for Community Solar Project

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:30:25 GMT

***Deadline to submit your property for consideration in the Cook County Community Solar project has been extended to Friday, December 18th***

Cook County Seeking Rooftops and Land to be Analyzed for Community Solar Project

On November 2^nd, Cook County released a Request of Expression of Interest (REI) seeking information on potential pilot properties that can potentially host a community solar development for the Cook County Community Solar Project. Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Market Pathways Initiative grant, Cook County, along with other key partners, are working to analyze the potential of community solar in Cook County. Through June 2017, the Cook County Community Solar Project team will conduct an analysis for community solar projects, with a focus on developing plans for 5-7 demonstration projects within Cook County. The grant will fund the analysis associated with the demonstration projects and not the implementation of these projects.

The REI process will continue until November 30, 2015, with notification of final site selection on June 15, 2016. Final proposals for the selected 5-7 demonstration projects will be released on December 15, 2016.

If you are interested in learning more or responding to the REI, please visit the Cook County Community Solar Project Site Discovery Portal: www.elevateenergy.org/solar-site-discovery. Sites can be submitted online, by mail or by fax.

SRECTrade IL Webinar recording

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 18:24:10 GMT

SRECTrade hosted and posted a webinar for Round 2 of the IL SPV. If you weren't able to join them live, you can now watch it here!

Here's the link:

http://www.srectrade.com/blog/srec-markets/illinois/october-6-2015-illinois-supplemental-pv-procurement-program-round-2-introduction-webinar-slides-and-recording-available

Illinois Clean Jobs PSA

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:31:04 GMT

WCPT is airing a PSA on the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill--- have you heard it?

Listen here: CJB PSA.mp3

Request for Proposals: Champaign County, IL

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:06:41 GMT

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) seeks proposals from Installers that can provide competitive pricing for a direct ownership model using various financing options including, but not limited to, cash and loans, and/or a leasing or power purchase agreement model for residential and commercial PV systems.

The MREA, in partnership with the City of Urbana, IL, the Environmental Law Policy Center, and the Illinois Green Economy Network, will be organizing a group purchasing program for residential and commercial solar in Champaign County, IL. This effort is supported by funds from a Department of Energy SunShot Initiative grant.

The RFP, any updates, and more information will be posted here: http://www.growsolar.org/news-item/request-for-proposals-champaign-county-il/

Proposal due date: October 12, 2015

Regular Procurement Webinar Now Available

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 16:33:48 GMT

Last night's (9/3/2015) webinar is now available to watch on our Regular Procurement page. A link to download the powerpoint slides is also available.

RFP -- WIll County

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:20:07 GMT

Read the following posting for an advertisement of request for proposals to finance, design, construct, install, operate, and maintain new rooftop-mounted photovoltaic generation facilities at Will County Adult Detention Facility and Sunny Hill Nursing Home for Will County.

Click here for the full RFP.

Addendum to WIll County RFP.

RECAP

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:50:04 GMT

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, 2014 thru April 30, 2015 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.

Due to feedback received from RECAP applicants, ISEA will NOT be accepting applications in 2015 on a first come first serve basis. This year each application will be assigned a previously generated randomly generated number per the method used by the Department of commerce and Economic Opportunity for the Solar and Wind Rebate Program applications.

Application for the RECAP program is a two step process.

Fill out the online Application. This application is time/date stamped.
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 2014-15 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.

Please note: RECAP applicants accepted into the 2014-15 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.

2014-15 SRECs will be purchased for $75. The City of Naperville will purchase 136 MWh of SRECs to fulfill the Naperville Renewable Energy program needs.

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.

Illinois net metering -- new proposed rule for public comment

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:55:12 GMT

Illinois solar supporters:

Please consider filing public comments in support of the ICC’s proposed net metering amendments. The public comment period closes on June 22^nd. You do not need to become formal parties to the docket or retain an attorney in order to comment. All public comments are acceptable.

Illinois Register notice: http://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/PublicComments.aspx?no=15-0273

See page 6134 for proposed amendments to 83 Ill. Adm. Code Part 465
Time, Place and Manner in whhttp://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/PublicComments.aspx?no=15-0273ich interested persons may comment on this proposed rulemaking: Comments should be filed, by June 22nd, to Elizabeth Rolando, Chief Clerk Illinois Commerce Commission 527 East Capitol Avenue Springfield IL 62701 217/782-7434
Please include docket number 15-0273 on all filed comments.
Please let us know if you plan to file comments so that we can keep track.

The amendments cover the following issues:

Updated and clarified eligibility and bill credit provisions to reflect current law.
Requirement for competitive suppliers to post NEM application forms and procedures on their websites.
Provision for electronic application processing.
Improved notification procedures for NEM customers that are switching electricity providers and requirement that electric utilities provide interval data to enable accurate NEM billing by competitive suppliers.
New language requiring utilities to individually consider “meter aggregation”/virtual net metering applications.

Here are some suggested talking points for comments:

Describe who you are and your interest in clean energy issues in Illinois:
- Solar business,
- Clean energy advocate,
- Concerned citizen, etc
Describe why you believe Illinois should support strong solar/renewable energy policies:
- Good for jobs/economy,
- Good for environment,
- Good for the future of Illinois, etc
Describe why net metering is important:
- Core/fundamental policy to support distributed generation,
- Simple/fair credit for DG
Describe why you support these rules:
- Clarifies and updates the rules and enhances transparency for the public and for clean energy businesses.
- Helps facilitate information sharing and interval meter data between utilities and competitive suppliers so net metering customers can be billed accurately and do not fall through the cracks when they switch electric suppliers. [465.50 subsections (j) and (k) and 465.55] [Consider sharing anecdote of your experience if applicable.]
- New “meter aggregation” language at 465.90 provides important accountability for utilities to actually perform a full and fair “consideration” of meter aggregation (or “virtual net metering” / shared solar) proposals

§ Add some discussion of why you think community shared solar is good for Illinois,

§ Add discussion of the types of projects you may be considering or would consider if Illinois improved its policy in this area,

§ State why it is important for utilities to provide a case-by-case consideration and written determination in response to community shared solar / virtual net metering proposals.

UCS Analysis: Illinois and other states on track to meet Clean Power Plan benchmarks

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:25:36 GMT

Written by Courtney Hanson (Midwest Outreach Coordinator, Union of Concerned Scientists)

The Union of Concerned Scientists has released an analysis showing that most states are already making significant progress toward cutting carbon emissions from power plants, and that can in turn help them meet their Clean Power Plan goals. The analysis shows that, through decisions already made such as the retirement of uneconomic coal plants, and compliance with existing renewable electricity standards and energy efficiency resource standards, many states all across the country are well positioned to reliably and affordably achieve the 2020 emissions reduction benchmarks. 31 states are on track to be more than halfway toward meeting the 2020 benchmarks set out by the EPA, and 14 of those states are on track to surpass those benchmarks.

Illinois findings:

Illinois is on track to be 82 percent of the way towards meeting its 2020 benchmark because of its renewable electricity and energy efficiency standards and announced coal plant closures (we assume announced coal retirements occur and existing standards are met in all states).
- The renewable portfolio standard requires utilities to produce 25 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2025.
- The energy efficiency portfolio standard requires utilities to reduce energy demand by 2 percent each year compared to the previous year’s sales.
- Eight coal generating units will retire between 2012 and 2020. These units generate 9,204 gigawatt-hours of electricity or 12 percent of the state’s coal-fired generation.

Illinois, along with 22 other states, is leading the country, as these states have already taken steps to achieve more than 75 percent of their 2020 benchmarks.
Illinois can meet its mandatory 2030 emissions reduction requirement a number of ways, including:
- Creating a regional program that allows Midwest states to work together to reduce emissions. Illinois state regulators and utilities are considering this approach.
- Strengthening the state’s renewable electricity and energy efficiency standards. A recent UCS analysis found that requiring utilities to generate 35 of their electricity with renewable resources by 2030 and reduce energy consumption 20 percent by 2025 would reduce the typical residential customer’s electricity bill 11 percent, or $10 a month, in 2020 and 23 percent, or $22 a month, in 2030.

Please see UCS Senior Energy Analyst Jeremy Richardson’s blogpost with the key findings from the UCS analysis, and links to a table summarizing state progress toward the 2020 benchmarks and a slide deck (note that the 2020 benchmarks are NOT a mandatory target in the draft CPP).

Additionally, see Senior Analyst Jeff Deyette’s blogpost highlighting the irony that many of the states suing the EPA over the Clean Power Plan are actually already taking steps that would put them most or all of the way toward meeting the 2020 emissions benchmarks.

The UCS Press release is here: http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/most-states-on-track-to-meet-cpp-benchmarks-0500

Earth Month and Beyond

Thu, 21 May 2015 19:31:30 GMT

ISEA rocked Earth Month and beyond! Since the beginning of April, ISEA volunteers and Solar Ambassadors, Policy Committee and Staff have participated in over 30 events!

ISEA Solar Ambassadors have supported and participated in over 20 events and educated an estimated 2,195 people on the advantages of being powered by the sun! Solar Ambassadors are ISEA members who advocate for solar energy and engage with the public to increase awareness, understanding, support and use of clean energy. The Solar Ambassadors spread the word about the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill at all of these events.

Carrie Woodruff is a ISEA Solar Ambassador

The ISEA Policy Committee teamed up with the Solar Ambassadors to host six Legislative Solar Socials at homes powered by solar this spring. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Illinois Clean Jobs Bill co-sponsors, view a solar installation and learn about the benefits of living with renewable energy! ISEA held events in Evanston, Chicago, Joliet, West Chicago, Wilmette and Champaign.

Representative Carol Ammons at a Legislative Solar Social

Over 50 ISEA business and individual members turned out for Solar Lobby Day On May 6^th! ISEA staff delivered Illinois Clean Jobs letters of support to legislators from their constituents. For more reflections on Lobby Day, click here.

Solar Lobby Day in Springfield

We are now gearing up for a busy summer with more public events and Legislative Solar Socials. Keep an eye on our events calendar for happenings in your part of the state!

If you would like to sign a letter of support for the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill, you can do so here.

Thank you to all who made ISEA’s Spring Legislative Solar Socials successful!

Legislators

Senator John Cullerton

Senator Pat McGuire

Representative Carol Ammons

Representative Laura Fine

Representative Mike Fortner

Representative Robyn Gabel

Representative Lawrence M. Walsh Jr

Social Host Sites

The Bullock Family

The Carrington Family

Beth and Harry Drucker

Lisa and Ron Elkins

The Lorch Family

The Willenbrock Family

ISEA Policy Leads

Lisa Albrecht

Shannon Fulton

Will Kenworthy

Kacie Stanley

Site Installers

Earth Wind and Solar- John Caravette

Juhl Energy -Mike Johnson

New Prairie Construction – Julie Vogel

Solar Service Inc – Brandon Leavitt and Joe Gordon

ISEA Staff

Patrick Dodge

Taylor Gendel

Lucas Kappel

IPA REC Procurement Revenue Grade Meter Update

Tue, 19 May 2015 20:40:28 GMT

The ISEA Policy Committee has scored a win for homeowners participating in the IPA procurement! The committee worked to educate the IPA on the financial burden that an overly strict Revenue Grade Meter requirement would cause homeowners. Systems under 10kW will now be permitted to use their inverter for performance data.

Details about the Metering Standards are housed on the IPA website.

Thank you to this group of dedicated volunteers who work to ensure that Illinois business and residents have clear and fair opportunities to participate in the clean energy economy.

ISEA Policy Webinar Now Available

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:31:25 GMT

Last night's policy webinar is now up and available to view.

This webinar discussed the details of the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill and how this new RPS will grow the Illinois clean energy economy.

You can view the recording here.

SRECTrade Procurement Webinar Available

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 19:51:20 GMT

SRECTrade hosted a webinar on April 7th, 2015 for installers and system owners interested in participating in the upcoming Illinois Supplemental Photovoltaic Procurement Program. The webinar covered the basic rules of the program, registering a system with SRECTrade, and submitting a bid for the upcoming solicitation.

The webinar allowed solar installers active in the state of Illinois to join us to learn how existing and future clients can participate in the Supplemental Photovoltaic Procurement Program.

Here is the recording of the webinar.

Legislative Solar Socials

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:01:48 GMT

ISEA will be hosting a series of Legislative Solar Socials in April and May at solar homeowners residences to spread the word about the Illinois Clean Jobs bill! This event will function like a Town Hall Meeting with the additional benefit for attendees to have the opportunity to view a solar installation and learn about the benefits of living with renewable energy! Illinois legislators will be present at each!

Wilmette: Saturday, April 18th, 10am-11:30am with Representative Laura Fine
West Chicago: Saturday, April 25th 11am-12:30pm with Representative Mike Fortner
Joliet: Saturday: May 2nd 11am-12:30pm with Representative Lawrence M. Walsh Jr.
Evanston: Saturday, May 9th 11am-12:30pm with Representative Robyn Gabel
Wauconda: Saturday, May 9th 11am-12:30pm with Senator Pamela Althoff
Champaign: Saturday, May 16th 11am- 12:30pm with Representative Carol Ammons

Come out and learn more about the Clean Jobs bill and show your support!

Chicago Infrastructure Trust Open Bid Process

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:48:55 GMT

The Chicago Infrastructure Trust is interested in installing solar PV systems on City, Sister Agency, and other municipal and not-for-profit partners' properties, and are commencing an Open Bidding Process following the recent submission of an unsolicited proposal.

Any party that wishes to offer its proposal for a solar PV and/or community solar PV project is invited to do so at proposal@shapechicago.org by April 17, 2015 at 9 AM CT.

For more information about the project and detailed guidance on proposals for this Open Bidding Process, please click here.

Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) Request for Proposals

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 22:13:48 GMT

IGEN Bulk Solar RFP

Six Illinois Community Colleges are adding solar to their rooftops this summer as part of the Illinois Green Economy Network’s Bulk Solar Program. The Request for Proposals for the IGEN BULK SOLAR PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION portion of the project is open until March 30th at 2pm CST.

The IGEN Bulk Solar Program aims to reduce the overall installation cost of ballasted rooftop or ground mounted solar photovoltaic systems for IGEN colleges. Cost savings are achieved by standardizing designs into 25 KW DC blocks utilizing a single module type, single inverter brand, and standard mounting system as developed by a single central Construction Manager, StraightUp Solar. Solar component procurement and installation is to be accomplished by a single Solar Contractor serving all participating colleges at one single IGEN negotiated price (exception: ground mounted systems are permitted an upcharge due to anticipated higher costs). Local electrical interconnection from the DC Array Junction Box through one or more inverters to each college’s local utility grid will be accomplished by a local Electrical Contractor independently solicited and selected by each college. The Construction Manager coordinates all procurement and installation schedules through operational production, overseeing all work as IGEN’s and each college’s technical and quality control expert. This project specifies a total of 225 KW DC of installation effort at six (6) individual community college sites. All solar designs expressed in the RFP are engineered to integrate energy output data into IGEN’s existing Lucid Building OS Dashboard system at no additional cost to the Colleges.

Sealed proposals shall be addressed to Mike Thomas, Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL. All sealed proposals must contain 3 hard copies be received by Southwestern Illinois College by Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:26:24 GMT

ISEA is part of the newly formed Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition which is bringing together environmental organizations, businesses and labor to create a clean energy economy in Illinois! This group will urge lawmakers to pass new standards for energy efficiency and renewable energy that will create tens of thousands of new jobs.

Read the full story of the coalition's launch in the Tribune here.

$45 Million SunShot Funding Opp: Early 2015

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:34:22 GMT

In early 2015 SunShot plans to announce a $45 million funding opportunity to bring new solar technologies to market and improve solar manufacturing. Historically, funding opportunities in our technology to market focus area have been separated by stage of technology development (e.g., Incubator, SolarMaT, and SUNPATH). In the interest of optimizing the application and selection process, all three funding programs are now combined into one, with the goal of quickly bringing disruptive innovation to the solar industry that will take root in the U.S. In order to provide ample time to consider applying for this funding, this week SunShot issued a notice of intent for a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “SunShot Incubator 10, SolarMaT 3, SUNPATH 2.”

SunShot anticipates this FOA will be open to any for-profit business with a product or solution that directly and significantly impacts at least one of the following SunShot Initiative goals:

Achieve the 2020 cost target of $0.06 per kilowatt hour or beyond;
Expand domestic solar manufacturing and supply chain value to be commensurate with the level of domestic deployment;
Expand the domestic market for solar to be a significant fraction (tens of percent) of our nation's electricity generating capacity;
Enable the integration of hundreds of gigawatts of solar on the nation's grid.

Please stay tuned in early 2015 for the official FOA and check out the website frequently for new information on this and other funding opportunities.

ISEA Board of Director Position Description

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:13:36 GMT

ISEA BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION,

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELECTION DETAILS

ISEA BACKGROUND

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a 501-c-3 organization established on April 30, 1979. The ISEA currently has a thirteen (13) member Board of Directors (BOD) of whom four Directors serve as Officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are elected for one-year terms by the Board of Directors.

ISEA MISSION

The education and advocacy of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy to the people of Illinois.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' FUNCTION

As representatives of the membership of ISEA, the Board of Directors (Board) is the primary force advancing ISEA's fulfillment of service to its membership, to ISEA as a single entity, and to the nonprofit community at large.

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Directors bring a diversity of talents and capabilities to the ISEA, as well as a passion to materially fulfill its mission.

ISEA is seeking Directors who represent various aspects of the solar, wind and other renewable energy fields, as well as individuals in potentially impacted industries, such as legal, finance, education, environment, real estate, and manufacturing. Candidates should have innate leadership, management, and well- developed interpersonal skills, as well as patience and good humor, and be able to participate in and sustain collaborative group efforts.

Election candidates must be ISEA members to be eligible for a Director position. The Candidate can be an Individual, Senior/Student or Family Member or part of a Business Member category.

DIRECTOR'S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ISEA Directors are expected to lend their knowledge, skills and abilities to assist ISEA in executing its mission through fundraising, advocacy, education, marketing and related activities. Fundraising, through direct or leverage actions, is key to the continued growth and success of ISEA. The role of each Director is to serve a two-year term by leading, advising, and supporting the activities of ISEA. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Attend all Board meetings prepared to further the success of ISEA and to support the ISEA’s mission and goals.
Monitor and mentor standing Committees as assigned and on an as-needed basis providing advice, encouragement and voice for the Committee to the Board.
Identify and nominate candidates for vacant Board positions.
Accept special assignments designated by the President.
Remain current on the activities of ISEA by following its publications (includes electronic, print and virtual), issues and interests.
Remain current on issues affecting the non-profit sector as it relates to the mission of the Association, its members and community at large.
Inform the Board and remain proactive to assist ISEA with supporting its members and enhancing its funding sources.
Act as a role model, change agent and professional exemplar.

RESPONSIBILITIES BY CATEGORY

1. Planning

Approve ISEA’s mission and review management (Board & ED) performance in achieving it.
Annually review and approve the ISEA strategic plan and budget.

2. Organization

Work with the Executive Director to create a strategic direction for the Association and to set short and long term goals.
Ensure management continuity is properly provided.
Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
Identify candidates and determine the eligibility of candidates for the nomination of officers and directors.
Actively participate in Board meetings and on Committee assignments.
Support sponsoring donor and community-building events as designated by the Board.
Identify potential funding sources and serve as an ambassador to secure organizational funding.
Annually evaluate the performance of staff and determine any bonus awards or increases in salary.
Be an active member of both ISEA and American Solar Energy Society (ASES).
Annually review the performance of the Board and take steps (including recommendation for its composition, organization, and responsibilities) to improve its performance.

3. Operations

Review results achieved by management in comparison to ISEA’s mission, program plans, and strategic plan, as well as similar metrics for like organizations.
Ascertain that the financial structure of the ISEA is adequate for its current needs and the implementation of the strategic plan by approving an annual budget.
Provide advice, comments, and direction to the members of the Board and Executive Director.
Approve major actions of ISEA, such as capital expenditures on all projects over authorized limits and major changes in programs, services, office location, etc.
Review monthly and annual financial results for the organization and ensure, through the oversight of the Finance Committee, that reports are accurate and in accordance with accepted accounting principles.

TIME COMMITMENT

Board members serve a two-year term. In-person BOD meetings occur monthly for two hours in the evening. Members will be required to travel to in-person meetings and efforts will be made to hold meetings in an equally-agreeable location to limit travel as much as possible. Conference call meetings are also occasionally hosted. Additional meetings (i.e committee, or special circumstance) may be scheduled with advance notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There will be four Director positions open for re-election. These Directors will serve two years - 2015 and 2016. Candidates are requested to submit their candidacy announcement in an email to contactisea@illinoissolar.org to the attention of David Brochu, ISEA Board Secretary. In the email response please state the candidate’s name, affiliation (if any) and contact information, as well as a maximum of 125 words supporting her/his bid for candidacy. Electronic submissions of candidacy will be accepted until 12 PM, local time on December 10, 2014.

Candidates will also have the opportunity to announce their candidacy during the ISEA Annual Membership Meeting, which will take place on Saturday December 10, 2014, 6 PM, Emmett’s Brewing Company in Palatine, IL, 110 N Brockway St, Palatine, IL 60067. Such candidates may also wish to prepare a written statement of their candidacy so that ISEA may publish it for voters' benefit during the election. Nominations in person will be accepted until the close of the meeting.

ELECTION

Voting will occur by electronic ballot and emailed on December 16, 2014 to all ISEA members in current good standing as of Dec. 10, 2014. Responses will be due by 12 noon on December 23, 2014 in order to be counted. Votes will be tallied, elected persons privately notified, and results publicized on the ISEA website prior to the January 2015 ISEA Board of Directors meeting.

ISEA Board of Directors Election 2016-2018 Term

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:45:00 GMT

The ISEA Board of Directors (Board) is currently comprised of 14 Directors and may, according to the bylaws, increase to as many as 15 members. The Board may consist of up to 8 Membership-elected members, 4 Board-Appointed members, and 3 Board-Elected members. As representatives of the membership of ISEA, the Board is the primary force advancing ISEA's fulfillment of service to its membership, to ISEA as a single entity, and to the nonprofit community at large.

The ISEA has 4 Membership-Elected Board positions to fill in the December 2015 election to serve a two year term, January 2016 - January 2018. We are looking for Directors who represent various aspects of the solar, wind and other renewable energy fields, as well as individuals in potentially impacted industries, such as real estate, legal, finance, education, environment, transportation and manufacturing. It is also desired that as diverse a range of people as possible make up the Board.

Candidates should have innate leadership, management and interpersonal skills, patience and good humor, and the ability to participate in and sustain collaborative group efforts.

Click here to read the candidate bios

The winning raffle ticket for the 2014 TESLA has been drawn

Lesley McCain — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 04:11:36 GMT

The winner of the ISEA 2014 TESLA raffle is ticket number 2215!
Congratulations !

We have spoken to the winner and will announce the name after their eligibility has been verified!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2014 ISEA Tesla raffle!

SEIA releases Solar for Schools Report

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:20:09 GMT

Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools is the first nationwide assessment of how solar energy helps to power schools in communities across America. Most importantly, the report shows that thousands of schools are already cutting their utility bills by choosing solar, using the savings to pay for teacher salaries and textbooks. What’s more, the report estimates that more than 70,000 additional schools would benefit by doing the same.

Key Findings:

An analysis performed for this report found that 450 individual school districts could each save more than $1,000,000 over 30 years by installing a solar PV system.
Of the 125,000 schools in the country, between 40,000 and 72,000 can “go solar” cost-effectively.
There are 3,752 K-12 schools in the United States with solar installations, meaning nearly 2.7 million students attend schools with solar energy systems.
The 3,727 PV systems at all U.S. schools with solar installations have a combined capacity of 490 megawatts (MW), and generate roughly 642,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each year.
The electricity generated in one year by all 3,727 PV systems represents a combined $77.8 million per year in utility bills ‒ an average of almost $21,000 per year per school. This combined energy value is roughly equivalent to 155,000 tablet computers or nearly 2,200 new teachers’ salaries per year.

View the full report here!

More information and a call to action from Ken Johnson, VP of Solar Energy Industries Association on our Schools for Solar Page.

EPA's Green Power Partnership: On-Site Renewables Challenge

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:16:53 GMT

Earlier this year, EPA announced a new initiative under the Green Power Partnership: the On-site Renewables Challenge. The Partnership is tracking all Partners’ annual combined on-site renewable energy use, updated quarterly. As part of the Challenge, EPA invites Partners to increase the amount of energy they produce and use from on-site renewables by the end of the decade.

Currently, more than 250 Green Power Partners are using more than one billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of on-site green power annually. The Challenge aims to double this amount to two billion kWh by the end of 2020. And, we need your help to get there!

We want to hear about what your organization is planning in terms of launching or expanding your on-site green power use. Are you adding solar panels to your facilities? Have you set a goal to produce a percentage of your electricity use from on-site resources?

Partners that have made tangible commitments to increase the deployment of on-site renewable energy systems by 2020 are featured on our website. And, we plan to highlight Partners’ on-site green power commitments in our upcoming monthly Program Updates. If you have news to share, please contact Mollie Lemon, Partnership Program Manager, at lemon.mollie@epa.gov by September 5.

If you’re not already a Partner, we invite you to join us today!

For more information on the On-site Renewables Challenge, please visit: epa.gov/greenpower/initiatives/onsite_challenge.htm

Since 2001, EPA’s Green Power Partnership has worked with businesses, local and state governments, schools, NGOS and Federal agencies to expand the use of clean, renewable energy. More than 1,300 Green Power Partners are currently purchasing more than 28 billion kWh of green power annually, which has the equivalent impact of avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than three million homes each year.

IEC Releases 2014 Environmental Scorecard

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:57:29 GMT

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) recently released its 2014 Environmental Scorecard.

IEC has been producing this scorecard for over forty years and it is an incredibly important tool to measure how a legislator voted on environmental issues.

Click here to view the 2014 Environmental Scorecard online.

Congratulations to the 35 legislators recognized for their votes on the 2014 scorecard! View the scorecard to find out how your legislator voted and go to the IEC website for a summary of this year's scorecard.

Solar Power in Illinois Agriculture

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:15:10 GMT

Check out this story about solar power used on an Illinois farm!

Tim and Austin Ridgely installed panels on Tim's Southeast Illinois 2,700 acre farm in Richland County.

Tim's solar system powers his entire farm.

"Sun catchers" in Illinois Farmer Today

"So, why aren’t more farmers choosing solar energy?

'I don’t think people realize how cheap it has gotten,' Austin says."

The Large-Distributed Solar and Wind Grant Program is now open!

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:21:33 GMT

The FY15 Large-Distributed Solar and Wind Grant Program is now open!

Program guidelines and application forms are available from the Illinois Energy Office’s website at http://www.illinois.gov/dceo/whyillinois/KeyIndustries/Energy/Pages/01aCommunitySolar.aspx

This RFA is a competitive solicitation, with applications due to DCEO on or before 4:30 p.m. on October 17, 2014. Eligibility is limited to solar and wind energy projects over $100,000 in total project costs. The expected budget for the grant program is approximately $2.5 million.

The Solar and Wind Rebate Program is now open!

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 16:36:55 GMT

DCEO will accept applications until October 10th, 2014. 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. Any applications received after the deadline will only be consider if program funding is still available or becomes available later in the program year.

The guidelines and application are available at http://www.illinois.gov/dceo/whyillinois/KeyIndustries/Energy/Pages/01-RERP.aspx

One clarification - all solar PV and wind energy systems, except those that are self-installed, must be installed by a certified distributed generation installer.

Good luck!

The Illinois Solar and Wind Rebate Program will be opening soon!

Lesley McCain — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:43:34 GMT

The program guidelines and application will become available within the next week or so on the DCEO website at http://www.illinois.gov/dceo/whyillinois/KeyIndustries/Energy/Pages/01-RERP.aspx.

All applications must be submitted, without exception, on these new forms for Fiscal Year 2015 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.

DCEO will accept applications for the random selection until October 10th, 2014. Applications will be assigned a number as they are received, and there will a pre-selected list of random numbers that will be used as the order we will consider applications. DCEO 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 a waiting list and will be considered (again, based on the random number list) as projects are cancelled or if additional funds become available.

DCEO is continuing to require 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.

All solar PV and wind energy systems must be completed by a certified distributed energy installer (Illinois Commerce Commission’s certified list is available at http://www.icc.illinois.gov/utility/Certified.aspx?type=24). DCEO will not approve an application until it can be confirmed that the installer has been certified by the ICC.

The Final Documentation Checklist (Section 4.2 and Appendix C of new guidelines) has also been updated to require that applicants provide the approved interconnection application or the Certificate of Completion from the utility (if applicable).

DCEO prefers that applications be submitted via email (ceo.rerp@illinois/gov), though applications may be sent through regular mail. However, please do not submit both ways – just need one copy of the application. If you send applications by email, you will receive a response that your application has been received.

Approximately $2.5 million has been allocated to the rebate program this fiscal year.

ISEA will announce the opening of the rebate program as it is released.

2014 Illinois Solar Tour October 4th!

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:21:08 GMT

You’re Invited...

The Illinois Solar Tour, on Saturday, October 4th, 2014 is a FREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE to demonstrate how home and business owners are utilizing solar, wind, geothermal heat pumps, passive solar design, and energy efficiency to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and to be energy independent.

You can visit any site at any time between 10 am and 2 pm. Homeowners will be available at each site to provide information, share experiences and answer questions.

Attend the Solar Tour to:
• meet people who have renewable energy installations, learn why they did it, the process, what they love about it and lessons learned.
• learn about the different technologies and see how they are installed
• hear about how different renewable energy technologies can work together
• find out all of the ways you can use renewable energy to power your life

Attend the tour and get all of your renewable energy questions answered!

Sign up to volunteer your home as a host site or sign up to attend one or more of these open houses! Sponsorships available.

Visit our Solar Tour page for more information.

Invitation for Bid: Turnkey Solution Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:41:02 GMT

Invitation for Bid: Turnkey Solution Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

First published Thursday, July 31, 2014

Sealed bids will be accepted at the address below until 2:00 PM, Thursday August 21, 2014:

Purchasing Division
212A Illini Plaza
1817 South Neil Street
Champaign, IL 61820

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Illinois is requesting bids to complete a turnkey installation of a 300 kW dc photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system at their facility.

Please see Section A.5 of the bid document for information of the site visit scheduled for August 12, 2014 at 9 a.m. (local time)

For additional information, contact:

Jacob Shaw

212A Illini Plaza

1817 South Neil Street

Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: (217) 300-7035

FAX: (217) 239-6880

Purchasing Website

Purchasing Officer - Cathy Link

The University reserves the right to accept or reject any and all responses or parts thereof. Vendor may expect payment thirty to sixty days after receipt of invoice, unless otherwise stated in the bid documents. Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) eligibility number is required on all proposals, if applicable. This procurement may be contingent on Board of Trustees approval. There is no BEP goal for this procurement.

This transaction is subject to the State Board of Elections registration and certification requirements of Public Act 095-0971.

The State of Illinois has a policy to encourage prospective vendors to hire qualified veterans, minorities, females, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders.

Illinois Power Agency Workshop on Supplemental Photovoltaic Procurement Plan

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:53:22 GMT

Workshop Announcement: Supplemental Photovoltaic Procurement Plan

August 7, 2014 10 am to 3 pm

160 N. LaSalle Street, 5th Floor Chicago, IL

On August 7, 2014 the Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) will hold a public workshop pursuant to Section 1-56(i)(1) of the Illinois Power Agency Act.1

The IPA will be developing a supplemental procurement plan to purchase solar renewable energy credits using up to $30 million from the Renewable Energy Resources Fund. This workshop will provide an opportunity for the IPA to present an overview of Section 1-56(i), discuss key issues, and receive feedback from interested stakeholders.2

A full agenda will be released prior to the Workshop. The IPA expects the Workshop will have two sessions, one from 10am to noon, and one from 1pm to 3pm.

Please RSVP to Anthony Star at: Anthony.star@illinois.gov. Pleases note that a government- issued photo ID is required for entry into the building. A call-in number will be available upon request.

Section 1-56(i) Timeline:

August 7, 2014 : Public workshop

September 29, 2014 : IPA releases draft plan

October 14, 2014 : Deadline for comments on draft plan

October 28 2014 : IPA files revised draft plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission Deadline for Illinois Commerce

January 26, 2015 : Commission approval of plan

1 Section 1‐56(i) of the Illinois Power Agency Act is a new subsection enacted pursuant to Public Act 98‐0672 which has an effective date of June 30, 2014. Subsection 1‐56(i)(1) reads in part, “In developing the supplemental procurement plan, the Agency shall hold at least one workshop open to the public within 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly and shall consider any comments made by stakeholders or the public.”

2 Please note that the IPA held a workshop on June 12, 2014 regarding matters related to Distributed Generation and subsequently issued a Request for Comments. Materials from that workshop and the responses to the Request for Comments are available on the IPA website under “Energy Procurement/Plans Under Development.”

NABCEP Certification Deadline July 18th

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:47:27 GMT

There is one week left until the next NABCEP exam application deadline! The next round of Certification Exams deadline is July 18, 2014 and the next exam date is October 4, 2014.

If you have the knowledge and experience to qualify for a NABCEP Certification Exam in PV installation, solar heating, or technical sales... take the next step now!!

The opportunity for the certification exam only comes twice a year so act now!!

Learn how to apply here

Solar Chicago Tribune article

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:47:23 GMT

The Solar Chicago program has been highlighted in the Chicago Tribune!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-rooftop-solar-discount-program-20140709,0,1457940.story

Solar Chicago is a new community wide group solar discount program offered by the City of Chicago, the World Wildlife Fund and Vote Solar. The City is participating in this program to help homeowners pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar on your home more affordable than ever.

After vetting several solar companies, a volunteer community evaluation committee has selected the team of Juhl Renewable Energy Systems and Microgrid Solar as Solar Chicago's installation partner. As a result, they will pass along savings from reduced marketing costs and bulk purchasing to Solar Chicago participants to provide residential solar starting at $3.49 per-watt - more than a 25% discount off the average market installation costs.

In addition to offering Solar Chicago participants solar electric systems at a discount, the Juhl-Microgrid Solar team will also provide an incentive rebate for each system installed through the program, if the total installed solar capacity exceeds program goals.

To learn more visit the Solar Chicago page.

$30 Million for Solar in Illinois

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 17:51:41 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Law Signed by Governor Quinn to Promote Solar Energy in Illinois

ILLINOIS, July 2, 2014: -- Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation on Saturday to promote solar energy purchases in Illinois. With this law, $30 million will be available to develop solar projects including residential rooftop solar installations.

“These last days of June are some of the longest of the year, the perfect time to talk about getting more of our electricity from solar,” Governor Quinn said. “Thousands of residents will soon get cheaper, cleaner energy, and we will create good paying jobs for working families in the process. It’s this sort of innovation that has made Illinois a national leader in clean energy production.”

House Bill 2427 frees $30 million from the Illinois Power Agency’s Renewable Energy Resources Fund that has been collected from clean energy fees paid by Illinois power suppliers. The law establishes a competitive procurement process to purchase energy from existing solar devices and from new solar installations. This could mean thousands of new solar panel installations on homes in Illinois. The law is effective immediately.

Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) Executive Director Lesley McCain said “Solar businesses in Illinois are extremely pleased that Governor Quinn has signed this legislation. We would like to thank State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) for sponsoring the bill. This special solar procurement will be incredibly significant for our business members and help make solar more affordable for Illinois homeowners.”

Contact:

Illinois Solar Energy Association

contactisea@illinoissolar.org

http://www.illinoissolar.org

###

Solar Powering Illinois Conference Presentations

Lesley McCain — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 21:04:37 GMT

The Illinois Solar Energy Association in partnership with the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) held the first all-state solar conference on Tuesday 4/8/14. The conference, which attracted 150+ participants, provide the attendees with information and updates on all aspects of solar in Illinois! From policy related information, to a toolbox for solar installers the information given was useful and engaging and will be used to advance the local solar industry. You can view the conference presentations here.

Illinois DCEO Rebate Funds Available

Lesley McCain — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:20:38 GMT

Due to the cancellation of a number of projects that had been approved for a rebate, DCEO now has some rebate funds (approximately $100,000) available now for new applications. However, these funds must be spent by the end of the state fiscal year. Therefore, new solar or wind projects that can be completed by May 31st, please send in applications to DCEO as soon as possible. New rebate applications will be considered on a first come first serve basis, until all of these funds have been allocated. Installers for these projects must be certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission as a Distributed Generation Installer (or receive certification before May 31st.

Rebate applications should be sent to ceo.rerp@illinois.gov

Chicago Named U.S. 2014 Earth Hour Capital

Lesley McCain — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:57:13 GMT

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that Chicago has been named the 2014 Earth Hour Capital of the United States by the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour City Challenge, a year-long competition among cities to promote renewable energy and prepare for climate change. Cities that participate are recognized for their efforts in creating more sustainable, resilient cities, and compete for the title of U.S. Earth Hour Capital as well as grants from WWF.

Building on the success of the Chicago Solar Express, an initiative to make rooftop solar as easy and economical as possible for Chicago residents and businesses, the City will use some of the grant award funding to launch a partnership to help reduce purchase costs of solar arrays for Chicago residents. Read More.....

Leading from the Middle Report - How Illinois Communities Unleashed Renewable Energy

Lesley McCain — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:27:41 GMT

ISEA is proud to announce the release of Leading from the Middle. Leading from the Middle, a report developed by the World Wildlife Fund, is a collaboration between ISEA, WWF, ELPC, Illinois Sierra Club, GW Solar Institute, LEAN, and the Go Green Go Local Coalition. This report discusses how more than 90 Illinois communities utilized the utility model known as Community Choice Aggregation to switch to 100% renewables by using renewable energy credits. This choice has reduced pollution levels equivalent to removing more than 1 million cars from the road or 250,000 homes off the grid.

To view the report visit ISEA's Greening of Illinois Community Electricity Aggregation page

ISEA Board of Directors Election Results

Lesley McCain — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:01:09 GMT

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is excited to announce the results of the Board of Directors Elections. Seven outstanding and talented candidates ran for the four open seats. Peter Gorr, Amy Antoniolli, Jack O ‘Donohue will join the ISEA BOD along incumbent Glenn Reed. ISEA would like to thank all the candidates for their interest in advancing both the organization and the solar industry in Illinois!

RE-RUN of ISEA Board of Directors Election Voting Begins 12-21-13

Lesley McCain — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Voting for the RE-RUN of Illinois Solar Energy Association Board of Directors 2014-2016 Election opens Saturday 12-21-13 at 8PM and will close at 12 noon on 12-31-13. The election needed to be re-started due to a few clerical errors and candidate misunderstanding and to ensure the process is equitable for candidates and voting members. Ballots cast prior to December 21, 8PM CST (the start of the re-run) will be voided.

ISEA board candidates statements can be viewed here. All ISEA members in good standing as of December 10, 2013 will receive an election ballot by email. ISEA members will have the opportunity to vote for 4 candidates from this outstanding group of applicants.

ISEA BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELECTION DETAILS

ISEA BACKGROUND

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a 501-c-3 organization established on April 30, 1979. The ISEA currently has a nine (9) member Board of Directors of whom four Directors serve as Officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are elected for one-year terms by the Board of Directors.

ISEA MISSION

The education and advocacy of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy to the people of Illinois.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' FUNCTION

As representatives of the membership of ISEA, the Board of Directors (Board) is the primary force advancing ISEA's fulfillment of service to its membership, to ISEA as a single entity, and to the nonprofit community at large.

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Directors bring a diversity of talents and capabilities to the ISEA, as well as a passion to materially fulfill its mission.

ISEA is seeking Directors who represent various aspects of the solar, wind and other renewable energy fields, as well as individuals in potentially impacted industries, such as legal, finance, education, environment, real estate, and manufacturing. Candidates should have innate leadership, management, and well- developed interpersonal skills, as well as patience and good humor, and be able to participate in and sustain collaborative group efforts.

Election candidates must be ISEA members to be eligible for a Director position. The Candidate can be an Individual, Senior/Student or Family Member or part of a Business Member category.

DIRECTOR'S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ISEA Directors are expected to lend their knowledge, skills and abilities to assist ISEA executing its mission through fundraising, advocacy, education, marketing and related activities. Fundraising, through direct or leveraged actions, is key to the continued growth and success of ISEA.

The role of each Director is to serve a two-year term by leading, advising, and supporting the activities of ISEA. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
•Attend all Board meetings prepared to further the success of ISEA and to support the ISEA’s mission and goals.
•Monitor and mentor standing Committees as assigned and on an as-needed basis providing advice, encouragement and voice for the Committee to the Board.
•Identify and nominate candidates for vacant Board positions.
•Accept special assignments designated by the President.
•Remain current on the activities of ISEA by following its publications (includes electronic, print and virtual), issues and interests.
•Remain current on issues affecting the non-profit sector as it relates to the mission of the Association, its members and community at large.
•Inform the Board and remain proactive to assist ISEA with supporting its members and enhancing its funding sources.
•Act as a role model, change agent and professional exemplar.

RESPONSIBILITIES BY CATEGORY

1. Planning

Approve ISEA’s mission and review management (Board & ED) performance in achieving it.

Annually review and approve the ISEA strategic plan and budget.

2. Organization
•Work with the Executive Director to create a strategic direction for the Association and to set short and long term goals.
•Ensure management continuity is properly provided.
•Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
•Identify candidates and determine the eligibility of candidates for the nomination of officers and directors.
•Actively participate in Board meetings and on Committee assignments.
•Support sponsoring donor and community-building events as designated by the Board.
•Identify potential funding sources and serve as an ambassador to secure organizational funding.
•Annually evaluate the performance of staff and determine any bonus awards or increases in salary.
•Be an active member of both ISEA and American Solar Energy Society (ASES).
•Annually review the performance of the Board and take steps (including recommendation for its composition, organization, and responsibilities) to improve its performance.

3. Operations
•Review results achieved by management in comparison to ISEA’s mission, program plans, and strategic plan, as well as similar metrics for like organizations.
•Ascertain that the financial structure of the ISEA is adequate for its current needs and the implementation of the strategic plan by approving an annual budget.
•Provide advice, comments, and direction to the members of the Board and Executive Director.
•Approve major actions of ISEA, such as capital expenditures on all projects over authorized limits and major changes in programs, services, office location, etc.
•Review monthly and annual financial results for the organization and ensure, through the oversight of the Finance Committee, that reports are accurate and in accordance with accepted accounting principles.

TIME COMMITMENT

Board members serve a two-year term. In-person BOD meetings occur monthly for two hours in the evening. Members will be required to travel to in-person meetings and efforts will be made to hold meetings in an equally-agreeable location to limit travel as much as possible. Conference call meetings are also occasionally hosted. Additional meetings (i.e committee, or special circumstance) may be scheduled with advance notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There will be four Director positions for re-election for the 2014-16 term. Candidates are requested to submit their candidacy announcement in an email to contactisea@illinoissolar.org to the attention of the ISEA President Shannon Fulton and Secretary David Brochu. In the email response please state the candidate’s name, affiliation (if any) and contact information, as well as a statement (up to 100 words) of their candidacy. Electronic submissions of candidacy to contactisea@illinoissolar.org will be accepted until 12 PM, local time on December 7, 2013.

Candidates will also have the opportunity to announce their candidacy during the ISEA Member Meeting to take place on Saturday December 7, 2013, 10:00 AM; Chicago Center for Green Technology; 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612. Such candidates may also wish to prepare a written statement of their candidacy so that ISEA may publish it for voters' benefit during the election. Nominations in person will be accepted until the close of the meeting.

ELECTION

Voting will occur by electronic ballot and emailed on December 21, 2013 at 8PM CST to all ISEA members in good standing as of Dec. 10, 2013. Responses will be due by 12 noon on December 31, 2013 in order to be counted. Votes will be tallied, elected persons privately notified, and results publicized on the ISEA website prior to the January 2014 ISEA Board of Directors meeting.

Winning raffle ticket number!

Lesley McCain — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 06:13:15 GMT

ISEA would like to congratulate the winner of the 2013 raffle~ Mike Linder of St. Charles Illinois! Thank you to everyone who participated!

ISEA drew the winning ticket at our annual meeting this past Saturday December 7th!

Approximately 35 solar and raffle enthusiast were in attendance for the event.

As stated in the rules 2,500 tickets needed to be sold in order to award the car otherwise the raffle would be a 50/50 split of the pot . 1915 tickets were sold as of noon on December 4th. We think the lucky winner will be pretty happy with the winning of over $23,000!!

We appreciate everyone who purchased tickets and your support of our work towards a clean energy future for all! Your all winners in our eyes!

IGEN Announces Community College Renewable Energy Grant Recipients

Lesley McCain — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 22:35:28 GMT

The Illinois Green Economy Network is disbursing funds to Illinois community colleges for installation of renewable energy projects on their campuses or at partnering public or private facilities.

The following colleges have submitted grant proposal and been selected as a grant recipient. Each of the colleges will have their own RFP process and should be contact directly.

Free City of Chicago Solar Tours- October 21st

Lesley McCain — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 15:57:12 GMT

Solar in the City Tours

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is hosting free Solar in the City tours for Solar Power International (SPI13) attendees, the general public and Illinois state legislators on Monday October 21^st.

These tours will showcase the best examples of innovation in renewable energy and sustainability that Chicagoland has to offer!

ISEA is offering four separate tours which will depart from the Millennium Park Welcome Center on an iconic red and green Chicago Trolley. Tour attendees will meet at the Millennium Park Welcome Center for a brief tour of the integrated solar on the northwest pavilion. Participants will then be transported via a classic green and red Chicago Trolley to their tour location. Morning tours are from 9-11AM and afternoon tours are from 1-3PM

Tours location include Testa Produce Inc., Exelon City Solar, Galvin Center IIT and Oak Park Parking Garage!

Space is limited! Sign up for your free tour today!

Illinois Solar Tour News

Lesley McCain — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 03:04:07 GMT

ISEA has traditionally held an all state solar tour the first Saturday in October. This year ISEA is planning eight City of Chicago solar tours in conjunction with Solar Power International (SPI13) being held in Chicago the third week of October.

These free tours will be open to SPI13 attendees and as well as the general public. ISEA will be hosting a solar lunch and learn that day for Illinois state legislators, who will then have the opportunity to attend one of the tours.

ISEA works to identify and remove barriers to renewable energy development in the Illinois. This unique opportunity will bring attention to local solar development and provide a platform to educate our legislators on the importance of good renewable energy policy.

A state-wide solar tour is tentatively being planned for the spring of 2014. We greatly appreciate and acknowledge the many volunteers that have opened their homes and businesses to allow others to learn about the many benefits of being powered by the sun! ISEA will be reaching out for help developing and implementing an 2014 Illinois Solar Tour.

DCEO Announces FY2014 Large Distributed Solar and Wind Grant Program -

Lesley McCain — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 22:39:23 GMT

DCEO is releasing a Request for Application for the FY 2014 Large-Distributed Solar and Wind Grant Program (was previously called the Community Solar and Wind Grant Program) on Monday, September 16th.

This RFA is a competitive solicitation, with applications due to DCEO on or before 4:30 p.m. on November 7, 2013. Program guidelines and application forms will be available from the Illinois Energy Office’s website at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/01a-Community+Solar.htm on September 16th.

The focus of the Large-Distributed Solar and Wind Energy Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of distributed community and commercial-scale solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, and wind energy technologies in Illinois.

Proposed solar photovoltaic projects are eligible for grants up to 25 percent of eligible project costs for business entities and 40 percent for local government and non-profit entities. Solar thermal and wind energy projects are eligible for grants up to 30 percent of eligible project costs for business entities and 40 percent for local government and non-profit entities. The maximum grant award is $250,000. Eligibility is limited to project costs for the purchase and installation of solar and wind generation equipment, and related metering components as appropriate. Total funding for the program is a minimum of $1.75 million for Fiscal Year 2014.

Here are some key changes we are making to the grant program from last year:

Incentives for business will be $1.25 per watt (instead of $1.50) or 25% of project cost, whichever is less. Maximum grant will still be $250,000.
We added language in section 8.2.8 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 Illinois Commerce Commission rules)
In Section 8.3 we added more program information of details that will be in the grant agreement
In section 8.4.3 we included language that makes it clear that any applicant that is a current or previous grantee of the Department and was/is delinquent in its compliance with grant provisions shall have such delinquency included as one of the application evaluation criteria for this current application
In Appendix A (Documentation Requirements outline) we now request that applicants provide a payback analysis.

McHenry County Shines – Solar Energy 101

Lesley McCain — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 03:21:44 GMT

An informative program designed to educate consumers on the benefits of solar energy and demonstrate that solar power have never been cheaper or easier to install.

Register for one of these unique, free events called McHenry County College Power Hours and learn the basics about solar, find out how to get a site assessment to see if your home or business meets specifications for solar and get information on qualified solar installers and incentive information.

These FREE sessions on September 19 and November 14 will be led by experienced Midwest Renewable Energy Association staff. They will be able to answer your questions about solar and help you find low cost options for installation. Through this program, a homeowner or business can save money, create jobs and expand the use of clean energy.

To register for this free event, please call MCC Registration Office (815) 455-8588 Sept. 19: Course ID NPG S88 019 and Nov. 14 Course ID NPG S88 020 or go to http://www.growsolar.org/power-pack-program/program-for-homeowners/. We have a limited number of seats, so please register as soon as possible.

City of Chicago Solar Permit Trainings for Professionals

Lesley McCain — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 02:55:54 GMT

Earlier this year the City of Chicago created an expedited permitting process and established a new set of standards designed to facilitate and encourage the installation of Photovoltaic Panels (PV panels) in Chicago. The new process and standards are detailed in the Department of Building’s new Photovoltaic Panel Permitting Guidelines. Lindsay Anderson, the author of the guidelines, will be offering three training sessions to help design professionals to become familiar with the specific requirements for the Zoning, Electrical and Structural aspects of PV installations.

The sessions will be held in the ground floor, large conference room in the Department of Building’s Racine Office located at 120 North Racine. They are scheduled for September 24th, 25th and 26th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 (noon). The material covered at each session will be the same so no need to register for all three.

Seating is limited so please register for one of the sessions by calling Michael Berkshire at 312.744.9363 or emailing at michael.berkshire@cityofchicago.org.

LOGISTICS
1. 120 North Racine is a 3-story office building located at Racine, Washington Street and Randolph Street.
2. Please park on the street. Do Not park in the parking lot adjacent to the building. They are owned by the CTA and unauthorized vehicles will be towed.
3. If you would like to use public transportation, use the CTA #20 bus running along Madison Street (1 block to the south) with a designated stop at Racine or take the Green Line / Lake Street Train to the Morgan Street Station and walk west 4 blocks to Racine Street.
4. All participants must check in with the security desk in the lobby to receive a temporary ID.

The Illinois DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program open NOW

Lesley McCain — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 21:15:31 GMT

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.

MREA Kankakee Power Pack RFP Information

Lesley McCain — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 19:41:12 GMT

PowerPackRFP2.pdf

ISEA RECAP Program Application CLOSED

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 00:56:24 GMT

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.

Fill out the online Application. This application is time/date stamped.
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.

Ensure a Sustainable REC Market in Illinois!

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 01:10:35 GMT

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.

ISEA Solar Lobby Day

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:12:38 GMT

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

REAP Funding Notice for 2013 Released

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:15:45 GMT

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.

The ISEA Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Aggregation Program (RECAP) (12/27/12)

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:19:25 GMT

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.

DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program (updated 12/2/12) CLOSED 11/28/12

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:23:22 GMT

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.

Clean Energy Illinois PAC launched (7/11/12)

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:25:53 GMT

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.

ISEA Fundraiser Fun & Successful (5/22/12)

Wed, 23 May 2012 01:27:42 GMT

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.

Solar Certification Rulemaking (4/30/12) Update 7/11/12

Tue, 01 May 2012 01:29:30 GMT

1st workshop occurred on June 28, Comments submitted on July 9th, 2nd workshop scheduled in Springfield on July 16th - conference line (866) 418-3591 Code: 907882#

Included in SB1652, now Public Act 097-0616, is a provision for the ICC to develop certification standards for solar PV and EV charging station installers. The ISEA is intervening and will participate in this process. Rulemaking on docket 12-0213 begins today.