Illinois Solar Incentive
Illinois Shines RECs Program
Get paid for the solar energy your panels produce. Receive $7,963–$9,140+ as — 50% in the first year, then quarterly payments over 6 years. The single most valuable solar incentive in Illinois.
Find Out Your Estimated REC Value — Free QuoteWhat 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 — **50% is paid in the first year** after installation, with the remaining **50% paid in quarterly installments over 6 years**. 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. This structure keeps your out-of-pocket cost as low as possible while extending the full payout timeline. Cash/finance buyers receive payments directly; lease customers benefit through lower payments.
15-year production contract. REC price locked in — 50% paid year 1, then quarterly for 6 years.
For a typical Ameren IL residential system. ComEd systems earn even more.
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 Prices by System Size
Illinois Shines pays a tiered rate per REC based on system size. Larger homes, farms, and small commercial rooftops all earn meaningful income — not just typical residential.
| System Size | Ameren IL | ComEd |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 kW | $70.37/REC | $80.77/REC |
| 10–25 kW | $60.92/REC | $79.21/REC |
| 25–100 kW | $59.53/REC | $69.65/REC |
Base prices per REC, 2026–2027 program year. Cash/finance buyers ≤25 kW not claiming the federal ITC can stack the +$20/REC Customer-Owned Adder. Equity Eligible Contractor installers add +$5/REC. Systems over 100 kW — see commercial solar.
How Illinois Shines Works
Install Solar
Work with an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor (your installer handles this). Systems up to 25 kW qualify for the residential Small DG category; 25–100 kW systems still earn RECs at the larger-tier rate.
Sign Your REC Contract
Your installer submits the application. You sign a 15-year contract locking in your REC price. No cost to you.
Generate Solar Energy
Your solar panels produce electricity and earn RECs based on actual production. One REC = 1,000 kWh of solar energy.
Get Paid
50% of your REC value is paid in the first year after installation. The remaining 50% is paid in quarterly installments over the next 6 years. Cash/finance buyers receive payments 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 ConsultationIllinois Shines FAQ
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
REC prices can change with new program years. Lock in current rates.