About Us - Illinois Solar for All

Affordable Solar is Within Reach

Illinois Solar for All is a state program that makes solar energy more affordable for income-eligible residents and the organizations that serve them.

Created by the State of Illinois to meet its renewable energy goals, Illinois Solar for All focuses on the people and communities who can benefit the most from the solar energy economy. This includes income-eligible and environmental justice communities.

Eligible participants can receive affordable solar installations or community solar subscriptions and save money on electric bills. The program ensures that participants work with qualified and vetted solar companies, called Approved Vendors.

Made Possible by State Legislation

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) was created by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) in 2016 to meet the state’s renewable energy goals and expand the reach of solar energy. FEJA resulted from meaningful collaboration between energy companies, environmental groups, and consumer advocates. FEJA requires 100 percent use of renewable energy sources in Illinois by 2050, including making solar energy more available to income-eligible residents and communities.

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act expanded the Illinois Solar for All program in 2021. The expansion updated several provisions related to ILSFA by increasing available funding to prioritize areas of Illinois previously underserved by the Program, adjusting funding allocations across sub-programs, increasing efforts at development by small and emerging businesses, and encouraging the development of projects promoting energy sovereignty.

In 2023, Illinois Solar for All was named a grand prize winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s American-Made Sunny Awards. The award recognized the program for serving as a blueprint for community solar programs that increase low-to-moderate-income households’ access to community solar subscriptions while providing electricity bill savings.

Impact of Illinois Solar for All

57.2 GWh

of renewable energy produced in the first year of solar project completion

718

Solar projects completed since program inception

20

Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses registered as Approved Vendors

About Illinois Power Agency

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent state agency established in 2007. The Agency is committed to the ethical and objective planning and procurement of reliable, efficient, cost-effective electricity for residents and businesses. This includes the development of electricity procurement plans, conducting competitive procurement processes, a Zero Emission Standard Procurement Plan, a Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and implementing the Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines programs. The Illinois Power Agency is subject to oversight by the Executive Ethics Commission.

The Illinois Power Agency operates the Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines programs to promote renewable and zero-carbon energy generation while building an equitable clean energy future for all Illinoisans.

Program Administrator

Elevate is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world where everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — prioritizing frontline communities. Elevate designs and implements programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need it most.

Elevate serves as the Program Administrator for the Illinois Solar for All program. As Program Administrator, Elevate works alongside the Illinois Power Agency to implement the program and support participants and vendors.

Our Partners

CANDO Equity provides a platform for minority-owned contractors to showcase their services, credentials, and past projects. It supports the growth of minority contractors and links them with opportunities, ensuring they are bid-ready and capable of delivering high-quality work. CANDO supports Illinois Solar for All in creating easier access for small and emerging businesses to become Approved Vendors.

Encolor is a minority-owned and certified women’s business enterprise that offers strategic planning and training with a focus on equity. Encolor supports Illinois Solar for All with diversity, equity and inclusion integration and overall program goals.

Primera is a full-service engineering design and consulting firm. Primera is a certified women-owned business enterprise (WBE) committed to dynamic design, innovative technology, and superior service. Primera performs project review and provides technical support to Illinois Solar for All.

Shelton Solutions Inc. is a certified minority-and woman-owned business, providing tailored energy and waste management consulting services since 2004. Shelton Solutions supports Illinois Solar for All with income verification, environmental justice coordination, and job training.