How does the Illinois Solar for All: Non-Profit and Public Facilities program work?

The Non-Profit and Public Facilities program provides access to solar installations with no or low upfront costs on properties occupied by eligible non-profit organizations and public facilities that provide energy benefits directly to them.

This is made possible by providing incentives for the Approved Vendors that develop the solar installations, who in turn are able to pass on savings to the participating organizations. Qualified Non-Profit and Public Facilities projects must be on-site solar projects that provide energy benefits directly to the non-profit organization or public facility. Eligible non-profit organizations and public facilities must be located in income-eligible or Environmental Justice Communities and meet the rest of the eligibility requirements.

The budget for incentives in the Non-Profit Organizations and Public Facilities program is up to $5 million per year. The incentives that Approved Vendors receive come from selling Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). RECs represent the environmental value of the electricity generated from solar panels, but not the electricity itself. RECs are important because they can be bought and sold. ILSFA Approved Vendors are paid by the participant system’s RECs, which enables the Approved Vendor to pass along savings.

Details on the value of Renewable Energy Credit (REC) payments can be found here.

Who can participate in the Non-Profit and Public Facilities program?

Eligible non-profit organizations and public entities located in either an Environmental Justice Community and/or an income-eligible community can participate in this program for on-site projects. Additional eligibility requirements include:

• The property is occupied by a Critical Service Provider (CSP). For a public facility, the building must host a department/agency that is a CSP.
• The non-profit or public entity must be able to demonstrate community engagement.
• Projects must be installed on-site on properties occupied by a qualified non-profit organization or owned and occupied by a public entity.
• Public entities must own the building, but non-profit organizations may rent the building.

See if your property is in a qualified income-eligible community

See if your property is in a qualified environmental justice community

You may also apply to designate your community as a qualified environmental justice community.

If you are interested in participating, the next step is to contact an ILSFA Approved Vendor.  ILSFA solar projects must be submitted by an Approved Vendor that will ensure the project meets all program requirements.

See here for additional information on how to participate.

Read about a participating non-profit’s experience with ILSFA here!

What are the benefits to the participants in the Non-Profit and Public Facilities program?

Through the Non-Profit and Public Facilities program, there are no to low upfront costs to participants, and electricity savings are guaranteed.

Additional information can be found in the Non-Profit and Public Facilities brochure (Folleto Organizaciones sin fines de lucro e instalaciones públicas).

What kind of property is suitable for an on-site solar project?

For roof installations:

• The roof must be in good condition and will not need to be replaced within 15 years.
• The roof should be relatively free from shading or other obstructions.
• A modern electrical panel must be present.

For ground mount installations:

• The foundation will need to be able to support the solar array.
• The foundation cannot be a high flood risk.

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements, and a complete site assessment will need to be conducted by an ILSFA Approved Vendor. If the facility does not have a newer roof or electrical panel, but the organization plans to install one soon, make sure to let the Approved Vendor know. ILSFA solar projects must be submitted by an Approved Vendor and meet all consumer protection guidelines and other program requirements as outlined in the Approved Vendor Manual. Contact an Approved Vendor if you are interested in participating.