What is Illinois Solar for All?
Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) was created under the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA). FEJA is monumental clean energy development legislation passed by in Illinois in 2016. Illinois Solar for All is designed to increase access to solar energy in low-income communities. Through ILSFA, income qualifying homeowners, renters, non-profits, and public facilities can save money on future energy costs by going solar!
How does ILSFA work?
The solar developers and contractors (called Approved Vendors) completing projects under ILSFA receive financial incentives from the state to encourage development for low-income and environmental justice communities. Participants in these programs see no up-front costs, so individuals, non-profits, and public facilities can benefit from solar panels without the burden of financing the solar installation all at once. Instead of buying solar, program participants lease solar (whether through an on-site installation or a community solar subscription) for a low monthly fee.
How can I participate in ILSFA?
ILSFA consists of sub-programs aimed at different types of participants and projects.
Low-Income Distributed Generation (Residential On-Site Solar)
Provides incentives for solar installations on any residential property housing low-income residents.
- Eligibility
- Single-family residential properties: Households with an income of 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Multifamily residential, two- to four-unit properties: At least two units with households with incomes of 80% or less of AMI.
- Multifamily residential, five-unit or large properties: Half of the units with households with incomes of 80% or less of AMI.
Maximum Income for Households to be Eligible for Illinois Solar for All
Low-Income Community Solar
Community solar allows residents (especially residents who rent or who do not have a suitable site for on-site solar) to subscribe to a large solar array in their utility (Ameren or ComEd) territory. Residents subscribe for a portion of energy produced by the array and receive credits on their electric bill. The same income requirements as distributed generation residential solar apply here.
Non-Profits and Public Facilities
To be eligible for the Non-Profit/Public Facilities program, the organization must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- The property is occupied by a non-profit organization or is owned and occupied by a public entity.
- The property is within either a qualified Illinois Solar for All environmental justice community or low-income community.
- The non-profit or public entity must be a Critical Service Provider or organization that can demonstrate community engagement.
The Non-Profit/Public Facilities program is allocated up to $5 million per year. Like all Illinois Solar for All participants, qualified participants in this program are assured no upfront costs and that there will not be ongoing costs or fees that exceed 50% of the value of the energy produced.
How can I learn more?
Upcoming presentations:
- None currently scheduled
Information tables:
- None currently scheduled
Contact Larissa Armstrong at 309-454-3169 x 15 or [email protected].
Ready to take the next step?
You already attended a presentation, and want to talk to an Approved Vendor about pursuing an on-site or community solar subscription for your home/apartment/non-profit. Below are Approved Vendor listings for Central Illinois listed by project category.
Approved Vendors serving McLean-Livingston-DeWitt
Approved Vendors serving Peoria-Woodford-Tazwell
Visit the Illinois Solar for All official site for a full list of Approved Vendors