Illinois Solar Incentive

Illinois Shines RECs Program

Get paid for the solar energy your panels produce. Receive $7,507–$8,541+ as a lump sum within ~18 months of installation — the single most valuable solar incentive in Illinois.

Find Out Your Estimated REC Value — Free Quote

What Are Illinois Shines RECs?

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) represent the environmental value of the electricity your solar panels generate. Through the Illinois Shines program, you sign a 15-year production contract and receive the full REC value as a lump sum within approximately 18 months of installation. The customer receives about 85% of the gross value — the remainder covers the approved vendor's administration fee and a 5% collateral held against underproduction. Cash/finance buyers receive the payment directly; lease customers benefit through lower payments.

15
Year Contract

15-year production contract. REC price locked in — paid as lump sum, not over time.

$7,507+
Total REC Value (7.5 kW)

For a typical Ameren IL residential system. ComEd systems earn even more.

$0
Cost to Enroll

Your installer handles the IL Shines application at no cost to you. The approved vendor takes a fee for administration, and 5% is held as collateral against underproduction — that's why approximately 85% of the gross REC value comes to the customer.

REC Values by Utility Territory

Your REC value depends on your utility and system size. ComEd territory earns a higher per-REC price.

Ameren Illinois

Central & Southern Illinois (MISO Grid)

REC Price~$66.34/REC
7.5 kW System$7,507
10 kW System$10,009
SpringfieldPeoriaChampaignBloomingtonDecaturNormal

ComEd

Northern Illinois & Chicagoland (PJM Grid)

REC Price~$75.48/REC
7.5 kW System$8,541
10 kW System$11,388
ChicagoAuroraJolietNapervilleRockfordElgin

How Illinois Shines Works

1

Install Solar

Work with an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor (your installer handles this). Systems 0–10 kW qualify for the residential small DG category.

2

Sign Your REC Contract

Your installer submits the application. You sign a 15-year contract locking in your REC price. No cost to you.

3

Generate Solar Energy

Your solar panels produce electricity and earn RECs based on actual production. One REC = 1,000 kWh of solar energy.

4

Get Paid

Your full REC value is paid as a lump sum within approximately 18 months of system activation — not spread over 15 years. Cash/finance buyers receive the check directly. This is on top of your ongoing electricity savings.

Lease Customers Benefit Too

If you lease your solar system with $0 down, the installer claims the RECs and carries the 15-year production contract liability — not you. The REC value is passed back to you through lower lease payments. You get the savings without the paperwork or risk. Plus, the installer can claim the business ITC (through 2027), further reducing your cost.

Compare Lease vs Own — Free Consultation

Illinois Shines FAQ

Any Illinois homeowner with a solar system 0–25 kW installed by an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor. Residential systems 0–10 kW get the best REC rates in the "small DG" category.
For a typical 7.5 kW system: approximately $7,507 in Ameren IL territory or $8,541 in ComEd territory. This is paid as a lump sum within ~18 months of installation — not spread over the 15-year contract period.
Consult your tax advisor, but REC payments are generally considered income. The tax impact is typically small relative to the total value received.
Your solar panels keep producing electricity (they last 25-35 years), but REC payments end. You still save on electricity for the remaining life of the system.
With a lease, the installer claims the RECs but passes the savings to you through lower payments. You benefit either way — the math just works differently.
We work exclusively with Illinois Shines Approved Vendors. Call us at (618) 217-2001 and we'll match you with the right installer for your area and situation.

See Your Illinois Shines Value

We'll estimate your REC value based on your utility territory and optimal system size.

✓ $0 down options available — lease or own, you benefit from Illinois Shines

Get Your $0 Down Quote

REC prices can change with new program years. Lock in current rates.

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