Illinois: DCEO - Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program

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Rebate for home solar and wind energy systems up to 30% of equipment and installation costs, up to $50,000.

Learn more about this energy rebate or find a contractor who knows about this rebate and will help you get started.


EnergySavvy does not administer rebate programs. If you have any questions about this incentive, please click on the More Information link to view the rebate program website or contact the rebate program directly.
DCEO is no longer accepting applications for 2011. The program will reopen after July 1, 2012.

The State of Illinois Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) promotes the development of renewable energy in Illinois. This program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund - the state's public benefits fund - and is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Rebates are available for solar and wind energy systems installed in Illinois after January 1, 2011 until all funding has been allocated. The DCEO offers rebates of up to 30% for residential and commercial systems (equipment and installation) and up to 50% for non-profit and government installations, with a maximum individual award of $30,000. Rebate applications are due April 30, 2012. DCEO may consider awards of more than $30,000, but applicants must contact DCEO before submitting such an application.

Eligibility

The program is open to customers of investor-owned and municipal utilities, as well as electric cooperatives, which impose the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge. A list of participating utilities is available on the program website. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, associations, public and private schools, colleges and universities, public sector entities, and nonprofit organizations. Rebates are available to applicants that contribute a minimum of 25% of the total project cost (applicant investment or in coordination with financial partners). Applicants may utilize funds from other incentive programs as well, so long as the total incentive from additional programs plus the RERP rebate does not exceed 75% of the project cost (this includes the Federal Individual Tax Credit).

Solar and Wind Equipment Requirements

Photovoltaic (PV) systems must have a rated design capacity of at least 1 kilowatt (kW) and either be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or have successfully completed at least one year of field testing. Solar-thermal systems must have a rated design capacity of at least 0.5 therms or 50,000 Btus per day and be approved by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable organization. Solar pool-heating systems are eligible for funding only if the pool is open to the general public on a regular basis. With respect to expansions to existing solar-energy systems, only those costs directly related to new panels (equipment and installation) are eligible for funding. Costs associated with new pumps, storage or any other balance-of-system components for expansion projects -– except for new panels –- are ineligible.

Wind energy systems must have a rated nameplate capacity ranging from 1 to 100 kilowatts. Eligible systems must be mounted on a tower of at least 60 feet in height on a land parcel of 1 acre or more. Applicants must also submit documentation verifying that the wind resource at the project site is suitable for wind generation (see the application for details). DCEO may consider urban turbines or other innovative design systems. All systems must be installed by a licensed, bonded and insured professional. For homeowners that choose to self-install systems, only the equipment costs will be eligible for the rebate.

Rebate applicants are encouraged to complete and submit applications to reserve funding before making a financial investment. If eligible, DCEO will issue a "Notice to Proceed" letter and funding will be reserved for 120 days from the date of the application. Applicants then have 120 days to complete installation and submit required documentation, including a notification of project completion letter. More Information: Illinois Website
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