Owners of single-family properties and those interested in subscribing to a Community Solar project can work with the ILSFA Program Administrator to determine income eligibility for the Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar or Community Solar sub-programs. If you are interested in income eligibility for households in a 2-4 unit building please call 1-888-970-ISFA.
*If you are currently working with an Approved Vendor, please continue to work with them to determine income eligibility. Their verification processes will reflect the guidelines below and they will work with you to collect the proper documentation needed to determine your income eligibility.
Am I eligible?
Income-eligible households are defined as those whose income does not exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Income is defined as the total income of all household members over the age of 18. This is based on the household income and the number of people in the household in your area. Please refer here to determine eligibility. Please note a household consists of all people living in one housing unit.
- Household income is 80% or less AMI.
- If the household income is above what is listed in the chart, you may be interested in the Illinois Shines Program.
How is income eligibility determined?
There are three options available to determine household income eligibility.
Option 1a: Proof of enrollment in another income-eligible program. Provide documentation of approval or current enrollment within the last 12 months in one of the income-eligible programs listed below. This documentation must be issued by the program and include the program name, recipient name, address, and date issued.
View the list of income-eligible programs
Option 1b: Household is in an Income-Eligible Census Tract and has 80% or less AMI. This option is only available to those subscribing to an ILSFA Community Solar project. The online tool can check if your address is in an Income-Eligible Census Tract. Also, check the income tool to see if your household qualifies.
Option 2: Income verification through a credit reporting agency. Provide basic personal information such as name, DOB, and address for each adult household member to the Program Administrator. This will be entered into a credit reporting agency’s secure portal. In some circumstances, it may require providing your social security number. The credit reporting agency will provide your income history for the last 12 months to the Program Administrator.
Please note utilizing this option does not affect your credit score.
Option 3: Submitting an Income Affidavit. The Income Affidavit is for adult household members that have cash income, no income, or income that is not otherwise documented on paystubs, statements, letters, etc. The Income Affidavit can only be used in limited circumstances and cannot be used if you are able to utilize Option 1 or Option 2.
What happens after income eligibility is determined?
The Program Administrator will review and verify the information. Once income eligibility is determined, an email of verification will be sent to you.
For those interested in Residential Solar and are income eligible, you may also opt into a referral program where your contact information is shared with Approved Vendors active in your area. The Approved Vendors will contact you to discuss participating in the Illinois Solar for All program. Your ILSFA Income Verification Confirmation email will provide options to connect with an Approved Vendor. If there is an ILSFA Approved Vendor in your area, they will work with you to plan a solar project that is right for your property. You will need to provide a copy of your ILSFA Income Verification Confirmation email to the Approved Vendor you choose to work with. The Approved Vendor must submit a copy of the ILSFA Income Verification Confirmation email with your project details to the ILSFA program within 12 months of the date it was issued.
For those interested in Community Solar and who are income eligible, you will receive a list of community solar projects in your utility area that are currently accepting subscribers. You will need to provide a copy of your ILSFA Income Verification Confirmation email to the community solar project’s Approved Vendor you choose to work with. The Approved Vendor must submit a copy of the ILSFA Income Verification Confirmation email to the ILSFA program within six months of the date it was issued.
I’m interested in determining income eligibility
If you have any questions please call 1-888-970-ISFA or send an email to info@illinoissfa.com.