With strong state incentives and rising utility prices, Illinois is primed for a solar energy boom. Sunnova is excited to offer our solar as a service plan to homeowners in Illinois. Our goal is to empower homeowners to choose energy independence and clean energy.
Illinois continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to solar energy. In 2016, The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) laid out a plan to acquire 25 percent of Illinois' energy from renewable sources by 2025 - this is a requirement from the Future Energy Jobs Act.3
In 2017, Illinois ranked 33rd among states in solar growth. Over the next five years, The Prairie State is expected to rise to number 13 in solar growth.4
Illinois has a bright future in solar energy. We are excited to join forces with our local partners to make worry-free solar energy services available to residents throughout the states.
Illinois Utility Rates
Average utility rates across Illinois have been rising sharply: from 4.05 cents/kWh in 2007 to 10.51 cents/kWh in 2017.1
Illinois Solar Incentives
Illinois may not be the sunniest state, but there’s more than enough sunlight to power your solar system! Solar panels perform well even in cold winter climates.
If you’re considering investing in a home solar system, you may be able to take advantage of significant federal and state incentives.2
Incentive: Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Payments for Solar System Owners
If you own your solar system, you could be eligible for Illinois Power Agency’s (IPA) generous Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program. You may get cash upfront for your solar system!
Because 25 percent of Illinois’ energy must come from renewable sources by 2025, the IPA is encouraging everyone in IL to help meet the 25 percent goal.
SRECs are a way for state agencies to “purchase” the benefit of your solar energy production to add to their renewable energy goals.
Your solar system will contribute to Illinois’ 25 percent renewable energy goal, so IPA will give you cash SRECs upfront based on your solar system’s installed capacity and predicted production. The SCRECs are paid after your system is connected.
The SREC program uses a “block” structure to determine pricing. As more IL residents install solar, there are fewer funds available for SRECS – the sooner you get solar and sign up for SRECs, the better.
| Block Group | Block Category | Block 1 | Block 2 | Block 3 | |
| Group A (Ameren) | Small | ≤ 10kW | $85.10 | $81.70 | $78.43 |
| Group A (Ameren) | Large | > 10kW - 25kW | $78.70 | $75.55 | $72.53 |
| Group B (ComED) | Small | ≤ 10kW | $72.97 | $70.05 | $67.25 |
| Group B (ComED) | Large | > 10kW - 25kW | $73.27 | $70.30 | $67.49 |
Applying for the SREC incentive is easy.
- Starting in winter 2018, you can apply on the Illinois Power Agency ABP website.
- Systems built in/after June 2017 retroactively qualify for the SREC incentive.
Complete program details can be found on the Illinois Power Agency ABP website. You can also find previous updates of the incentive program on Illinois.gov.