Changes on the Horizon for ILSFA
What’s on the Horizon for the New Program Year
Several exciting updates are coming for Illinois Solar for All’s 2022–2023 program year, which begins this fall.
2022-2023 Program Year Calendar
The Program Administrator has published the full Program Year 5 project submission calendars. These timelines include the submission windows for ILSFA sub-programs and other project milestones that must be achieved prior to project submission, such as deadlines for submission of applications for environmental justice community self-designation.
Opportunities for stakeholder feedback will be available for several new program elements based on the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and further detailed in the 2022 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. The Project Selection Protocol draft for comment has been published. Lastly, the Approved Vendor Manual will be published along with a request for comments this month.
80% Area Median Income Thresholds
To qualify for ILSFA, a household’s income may not exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI). ILSFA’s income guidelines were established using 2017 AMI levels, and Illinois statute directs ILSFA income guidelines to be updated every five years. The Program Administrator has updated the income eligibility thresholds for households participating in the residential and community solar sub-programs using 2022 AMI levels. The new income thresholds are effective September 1, 2022.
The 80% AMI level has increased for Illinois counties. For example, in Chicago (Cook County), the 80% AMI for a household of three individuals was $56,900 under ILSFA’s previous income guidelines. Beginning September 1, the 80% AMI for the same household is $75,050.
Another example is in Carbondale (Jackson County), where previously, 80% AMI for a household of three individuals was $43,500. Beginning September 1, the 80% AMI for that same household in Carbondale is $54,650.
The updated 80% AMI eligibility guidelines should allow more households to qualify for ILSFA.
Energy Resources Guide
Owners, managers, and tenants of residential buildings and non-profit facilities often look for more ways to save on energy beyond solar. The Program Administrator has updated the ILSFA Energy Resource Guide for Residential Buildings and Non-Profit Facilities on the Program website to share information about various energy efficiency and assistance programs.
Community Solar Net Metering Credits
Illinois is a national leader among income-eligible solar programs. The Program Administrator requested guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to change a rule to help more residents participate in ILSFA community solar projects.
HUD will now exclude ILSFA’s community solar net metering credits from household income and utility allowance calculations for residents participating in HUD multifamily rental assistance programs. The decision ensures that HUD program participants can save money on their electricity bills with ILSFA’s community solar projects without seeing a reduction in their housing benefits.
HUD’s guidance to Illinois was only the third such guidance offered to a state, and HUD has now extended that guidance to all states offering community solar.
Grassroots Education Organizations Selection Update
The Program Administrator is in the process of notifying selected Grassroots Education organizations for the 2022-2023 program year and will announce the selected organizations this month.
Grassroots Educators are trusted members of their communities who educate Illinois residents about ILSFA and help communities learn how they can benefit from solar energy. You might hear from Grassroots Educators at community events, local association meetings, and other gatherings where neighbors discuss local issues. The Program Administrator regularly selects local organizations through a competitive application process to serve as Grassroots Educators across Illinois. To learn more about ILSFA Grassroots Education organizations, visit the Grassroots Education page on the ILSFA website.
What People Are Saying About ILSFA
BCMW Community Services (which serves the counties of Bond, Clinton, Marion, and Washington) installed solar through ILSFA at their Centralia Head Start/Early Head Start facility. Read how the solar project benefits children, families, teachers, and the community.
Energy News Network explains how ILSFA’s increased funding from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) should improve access to solar for those who need it most. ILSFA is working to increase participation in the residential sub-program with new marketing tactics and incentives.
Energy News Network details the United States Department of Energy’s selection of Illinois in the development of a pilot platform to help increase the accessibility of community solar to income-eligible residents.
Solar Power World explains how the Illinois Power Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan expands ILSFA with additional funding. The plan also outlines two new pilot programs to increase solar access for income-eligible residential participants.
PV Magazine highlights Chicago Urban League’s solar project, the largest ILSFA project in Chicago. The non-profit is excited to bring awareness of renewable energy to the South Side of Chicago.
South Side Weekly highlights a potential ILSFA solar project in Altgeld Gardens. Kendrick Hall with People for Community Recovery (PCR) is an ILSFA Grassroots Educator. He explains the community’s hopes for the solar project to bring more renewable energy jobs to the area and generate savings to fund a grocery store for residents of Altgeld Gardens to address a local food desert.
Featured photo courtesy of BCMW Head Start/Early Head Start