Illinois' Solar Rebates and Incentives
If you live in Illinois or are interested in moving there, you'll be happy to learn that Illinois rates quite well in the solar incentive department. Here is a brief summary of what they have to offer.
Grants
- Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program. This grant incentive is for commercial, industrial, nonprofit, local government, and state government agencies. The grant amounts vary, but its purpose is to support products and agencies committed to developing alternative energy production, including that entailed by photovoltaics and solar systems.
- Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grants. This program is for nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies. It provides funding to community projects and programs that are pursuing clean energy.
- Solar Energy Incentive Program. This is a wonderful opportunity for commercial, industrial, nonprofit, schools, local government, state government, multi-family, and residential sectors. It provides assistance for the purchase and installation in the amounts of solar thermal up to 30% of project cost, LEED PV up to $3.00 per DC Watt, and innovative PV up to $3.25 per DC Watt.
Rebates
- Solar Energy Rebate Program. This is a state rebate program offered to residences, commercial applications, schools, industrial sectors, nonprofits, and associations. It provides up to a 30% rebate for those who qualify for the installation of solar systems. This one expires in May 2009, so you might want to hurry to take advantage of its benefits.
Tax Incentives
- Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems. This tax incentive is offered to commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. It allows for a property tax exemption for the cost of the installation of solar systems.
Net Metering
- Illinois Net Metering Program. This applies to all sectors and allows customers to sell back their excess energy produced from their alternative energy source to their utility. The amount allowed varies based upon the size of the system and the sector producing the energy.
In addition to the various incentives offered for the installation of solar systems, Illinois also supports other conservation efforts and the development of other alternative energy sources as well. All of this combined focus and money combines to make Illinois one of the top-ranking states for solar incentives.
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