New Recognitions, Resources, and Roles
The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program is in its fifth year. The Program Administrator is excited to share the following highlights, including special recognition in the Sunny Awards; information about the Consumer Protection Advisory Group; career opportunities; and the story of how a Champaign family who installed solar through ILSFA now expects savings of more than $14,000 over the next 15 years!
What’s New with Illinois Solar for All?
ILSFA Receives Special Recognition in the Sunny Awards
On January 19, 2023, Illinois Solar for All received Special Recognition for excellence by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office for providing meaningful benefits of community solar through greater household cost savings and promoting access to the benefits of community solar to low- to moderate-income households.
The Sunny Awards is an initiative of the DOE National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP). The Sunny Awards recognizes best practices in community solar to increase equitable access and meaningful benefits for subscribers and their communities.
Consumer Protection Advisory Group: Sign up to Join a Public Meeting
The IPA Consumer Protection Working Group is an opportunity for consumers, solar companies, community and nonprofit organizations, and other members of the public to provide input on consumer safeguards. The group meets on the first Friday of each month to discuss trends, best practices, consumer education, and program updates for the Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) solar incentive programs. The meetings are open to the public. The group creates opportunities to provide diverse insights, increase engagement, and generate robust discussions on consumer protection issues. Sign up to participate and receive information about future meetings of the group.
Convenings of the Illinois Solar for All Advisory Committee
The ILSFA Advisory Committee was formed to discuss and inform ongoing program development and improvements. The Committee comprises a group of diverse stakeholders, including representatives of Approved Vendors, Grassroots Educators, community residents, members of an ILSFA job training program, an Illinois solar industry organization, advocacy organizations, and utility and state agency representatives. The first Advisory Committee meeting was held on January 30, and the meeting recording and transcript are available online. The second meeting was convened on February 17, and the meeting recording and transcript are available online. The next Advisory meeting will be held in April.
The Program Administrator is Hiring! Open Positions with Illinois Solar for All
Are you motivated by the idea of expanding affordable solar energy to more communities? Please consider joining the Illinois Solar for All team. Working with ILSFA means you’ll help deliver the benefits of solar and the renewable energy economy to income-eligible and environmental justice communities across our state. The Program Administrator is excited to share several career opportunities:
- Associate Director: This is a critical leadership role in the administration and implementation of ILSFA, overseeing all internal and external functions to facilitate program delivery
- Senior Associate: The Senior Associate supports small and emerging businesses in becoming successful Approved Vendors under the ILSFA program.
- Vendor Manager I: The Vendor Manager I facilitates the vetting, support, and ongoing performance management of ILSFA Approved Vendors who develop and install qualified solar projects for the program.
- Associate, Marketing Communications: The Associate, Marketing Communications helps increase participation and engagement in ILSFA by developing and executing marketing communication plans, writing compelling content, and finding new opportunities to promote the program
Calling All Solar Companies: Upcoming Opportunities
Build Financing Connections with the Community Power Accelerator
Developers, investors, and philanthropic organizations know that financing is about relationships. The Community Power Accelerator™ connects stakeholders to get more equitable community solar projects financed and deployed. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Community Power Accelerator provides training, technical assistance, and critical connections to expand access to affordable community solar to every American household. Sign up now to join the accelerator.
Upcoming Opportunity for Community Organizations
Request for Proposals (RFP), Grassroots Education
Illinois Solar for All is seeking new proposals for its Grassroots Education efforts. This is an opportunity for eligible community-based organizations with experience running public education campaigns. The organizations can focus on housing, the environment, economic justice, related issues, or a specific community. The organizations should serve income-eligible communities and do not need to have experience with solar energy. The Program Administrator will release the RFP this month. Current Grassroots Education organizations must submit new proposals to participate in the new program year.
What People are Saying about ILSFA
It’s a Good Time to Save Some Money: Champaign Family Recommends ILSFA
Jaouad Barmaki, a husband, father of five children, and a single-family homeowner, shares his excitement about installing a solar project through Illinois Solar for All. Check out this video testimonial, courtesy of Prairie Rivers Network. Barmaki details the ease of getting solar from the comfort of his own home. His family now expects savings of more than $14,000 over the next 15 years!
In the News: ILSFA Community Solar Projects
Connecting income-eligible communities to solar projects can be challenging. Energy News Network talks to two solar companies about how they are reaching out to community members about three community solar projects funded by ILSFA. Together, these three projects will deliver about $12 million in savings to subscribers over 20 years and enough power for about 1,200 households.