Today marks the start of the 2026-2027 Program Year for Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA). Here’s what you need to know:
2025-2026 Program Year Impact
ILSFA had a positive impact on income-eligible residents and organizations across Illinois during the 2025-2026 Program Year, helping them save on electric bills.
- Over 1250 projects were contracted during the 2025-2026 Program Year for a total of $93.7 million in incentives.
- 1194 Residential Solar (Small and Large) projects were contracted, totaling $50.2 million.
- Of these, 153 Residential Solar (Small) projects participated in the Home Repairs and Upgrades Initiative for a total of $7.02 million contracted.
- 59 Non-Profit and Public Facilities projects were contracted, totaling $14.5 million.
- 7 Community Solar projects were contracted, totaling $28.8 million.
- 1194 Residential Solar (Small and Large) projects were contracted, totaling $50.2 million.
- 1180 projects were invoiced during the 2025-2026 Program Year, totaling over $60 million.
- 1127 Residential Solar (Small) projects were invoiced, totaling $40.6 million.
- 53 Non-Profit and Public Facilities projects were invoiced, totaling $22.4.5 million.
Small & Emerging Business Registration Opens
ILSFA is offering support to registered Small and Emerging Businesses in the 2026-2027 Program Year. The designation will provide prioritization in the Project Selection Process, early access to rolling submission windows, and the opportunity to deduct collateral for up to five projects from REC payments.
A Small and Emerging Business is an entity that meets one of the following requirements:
- Grosses less than $4 million in annual revenue.
- Has been licensed to do business in any U.S. state or territory for less than 3 years.
To access these benefits, new and existing Small and Emerging Businesses must obtain a designation through the Illinois Shines Program. The registration form is now live on the Illinois Shines website. Approved Vendors that are eligible for the SEB designation should register as soon as possible.
ILSFA is Now Accepting Minimum Equity Standard Compliance Plan Submissions
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act expands workforce requirements for the Illinois Solar for All program by allowing Approved Vendors to comply with either the Minimum Equity Standard (MES) or the pre-existing ILSFA Job Training requirements.
To participate in MES, Approved Vendors must submit a forward-looking Compliance Plan that outlines how your organization intends to achieve compliance with the MES requirement in the 2026-2027 Program Year. Approved Vendors can now submit their Compliance Plans online.
Program Submission Calendar
ILSFA is preparing the detailed sub-program project submission calendar for a future announcement. Please find the initial submission windows below:
- July 20 – July 31, 2026 – Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar (Large) sub-program.
- August 3 – August 14, 2026 – Illinois Solar for All: Non-Profit and Public Facilities sub-program.
- September 14 – September 25, 2026 – Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar (Small) sub-program.
- September 28 – October 9, 2026 – Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar sub-program.
Approved Vendor Manual
The final version of the 2026-2027 Program Year Approved Vendor Manual, Project Selection Protocol, and Response to Comments is anticipated for release this week.