Solar Incentives for Cuba

Every dollar you can save on your solar installation — updated for 2026.

Last updated: March 2026

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Federal ITC: Expired for Homeowners

The 30% residential ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 via the One Big Beautiful Bill. Systems installed in 2026+ receive zero federal tax credit if homeowner-owned.

On a lease, the company that owns the panels may be able to claim a federal business tax credit and build that value into your price; that credit is being phased out under current federal law. Contact us to see how much you can save with a lease.

Available Incentives

Even without the federal credit, Illinois has some of the best solar incentives in the country.

Best IncentiveUpdated Apr 2026

Illinois Shines RECs (Ameren Illinois)

~$5,747*

Avg. est. (first 50% ~12–14 mo, then quarterly over 6 yrs)

The Illinois Shines program pays you for the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) your solar panels generate. You sign a 15-year production contract, and the estimated REC value of approximately $5,747 (based on average system size in Cuba) is paid as follows: half is paid first, typically about 12–14 months after installation (once the system is energized and the program approves it); the rest is paid quarterly over the following 6 years. REC values went up for the new program year. Actual value varies based on your system size and production. We estimate the customer receives about 80% of the gross value — the remainder covers the approved vendor's fee and a 5% collateral held against underproduction. Cash/finance buyers receive this payment directly. Lease customers benefit through lower payments — the installer carries the 15-year contract liability.

REC Price: ~$70.37/REC
Contract: 15 years
Eligibility: Small DG ≤25 kW residential

REC rates by system size (Ameren Illinois)

2026–2027 PY · Updated Apr 2026
0–10 kWYour size
$70.37/REC
10–25 kW
$60.92/REC
25–100 kW
$59.53/REC

Larger system? See commercial rates →

DG Rebate (Solar)

~$2,100

$300/kW × ~7 kW avg.

Distributed Generation rebate paid by your utility, ComEd or Ameren Illinois. Received from your utility approximately 90 days after installation.

Property Tax Exemption

100%

Solar adds value to your home, but Illinois exempts 100% of that added value from property taxes. This is a permanent exemption with no sunset date. File PTAX-330 with your county assessor.

Solar for All (ILSFA)

No Payments

Official state program for income-eligible households. No solar payments, no upfront costs, no credit check. Guaranteed savings on your electricity bill. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 80% of your Area Median Income (AMI).

Check your eligibility →

Net Metering

Bill Credits

Excess solar energy sent to the grid earns a bill credit for the supply portion of your rate (Ameren Illinois also credits the transmission portion). Credits carry forward to later bills.

Battery Storage Rebate

$300/kWh

Add battery storage and receive $300 per kWh rebate. A 10 kWh battery gets $3,000. Stackable with solar DG rebate. The upcoming Virtual Power Plant program (launching mid-2026) will let you earn additional revenue from your stored energy.

Incentive Stacking Example

~7 kW Average System in Cuba

Gross System Cost$18,200
DG Rebate ($300/kW)-$2,100
Illinois Shines RECs (first 50% ~12–14 mo, rest quarterly)-$5,747
Est. Net Cost (After All Incentives)~$10,353
The DG rebate is received from your utility approximately 90 days after installation. The estimated Illinois Shines REC value (~$5,747) is paid as: first 50% about 12–14 months after installation, then quarterly over 6 years. Cash/finance buyers receive payments directly. Estimated total incentive value: ~$7,847. Actual values vary based on your system size.

Calculate Your REC Value

Adjust your system size and sun hours to see your estimated Illinois Shines REC value.

Check Solar for All Eligibility

See if your household qualifies for Illinois Solar for All: no solar payments, no credit check, and guaranteed savings for income-eligible households.

Incentive Questions

Yes, for homeowner-owned systems. The 30% residential ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. On a lease, the company that owns the panels may be able to claim a federal business tax credit and build that value into your price; that credit is being phased out under current federal law.
Your solar installer handles the IL Shines application. They must be an Approved Vendor in the program. You sign a 15-year production contract. Half of the estimated REC value is paid first, typically about 12–14 months after installation (once the system is energized and the program approves it); the rest is paid quarterly over the following 6 years.
Yes! The DG rebate, IL Shines RECs, property tax exemption, and net metering all stack together. Solar for All is a separate state program for income-eligible households — participants enjoy no solar payments and guaranteed savings.
Half of the estimated REC value is paid first, typically about 12–14 months after installation (once the system is energized and the program approves it); the rest is paid quarterly over the following 6 years. Cash/finance buyers receive payments directly.
Yes, file form PTAX-330 with your county assessor's office after installation. This ensures the added home value from solar is exempt from property tax assessment.

Maximize Your Incentives

We know every incentive inside and out. With a $0 down lease, the installer claims incentives and passes savings to you. Contact us to compare all options.

✓ Lease, cash, or Solar for All — every path benefits from IL incentives

Incentive funding is limited. Get today's incentive levels before they change.