Solar Incentives for Plainville

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.

However, if you lease your system, the installer can still claim the business ITC through 2027 — and pass savings to you through lower lease payments. 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 Incentive

Illinois Shines RECs (Ameren Illinois)

~$7,006*

Avg. est. lump sum (~18 months)

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 $7,006 (based on average system size in Plainville) is paid as a lump sum within ~18 months of installation. Actual value varies based on your system size and production. The customer receives approximately 85% 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: ~$66.34/REC
Contract: 15 years
Eligibility: 0-10 kW residential

DG Rebate (Solar)

~$2,100

$300/kW × ~7 kW avg.

Distributed Generation rebate from your utility under the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). 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

~6-8¢/kWh

Post-January 2025 installations receive credits at the supply rate only (~6-8¢/kWh), not full retail. Credits never expire and roll forward month to month. Pre-2025 systems are grandfathered at full retail for 30 years.

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 Plainville

Gross System Cost$20,300
DG Rebate ($300/kW)-$2,100
Illinois Shines RECs (lump sum, ~18 mo)-$7,006
Est. Net Cost (After All Incentives)~$11,194
The DG rebate is received from your utility approximately 90 days after installation. The estimated Illinois Shines REC lump sum (~$7,006) is received approximately 18 months after installation, directly to the homeowner for cash/finance purchases. Estimated total incentive value: ~$9,106. Actual values vary based on your system size.

Incentive Questions

Yes, for homeowner-owned systems. The 30% residential ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. However, the business ITC still exists through 2027, which benefits lease/PPA customers — the installer claims the credit and passes savings to you.
Your solar installer handles the IL Shines application. They must be an Approved Vendor in the program. You sign a 15-year production contract, and the full REC value is paid as a lump sum within approximately 18 months of activation — not spread over the contract period.
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.
The full REC lump sum is typically received within 14-18 months of system activation and IL Shines contract execution. It is a single payment, not installments over the 15-year contract period. Cash/finance buyers receive the check 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 customers benefit from ALL incentives — passed through as lower payments

Get Your $0 Down Quote

Incentive funding is limited. Lock in current rates before they change.

Or call (618) 217-2001Info@ltdsolarconsulting.com