Home / Illinois Shines
Illinois Shines, explained plainly
Illinois Shines, officially the Adjustable Block Program, is the state incentive run by the Illinois Power Agency. It's a big reason solar costs less in Illinois, and it comes with real consumer protections.
01How the incentive works
How the incentive works
- Your panels earn credits. Each 1,000 kilowatt-hours of clean power your system makes earns one Renewable Energy Credit (REC).
- The program pays for 15 years of them through an Approved Vendor, often as a single payment near the start.
- That lowers your cost. It keeps the monthly rate down on a $0-down plan, or comes off the price if you buy.
The credit value depends on your system size and the program year, and program capacity changes over time.
02Your protections
Your protections
Before you sign, an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor must give you the program's informational brochure and a standard Disclosure Form showing your costs, payments and estimated savings in plain terms. You can look up any approved vendor, and the program keeps a consumer complaint process.
03Five questions to ask any solar company
Five questions to ask any solar company
- Are you, or your installer, an approved Illinois Shines vendor?
- Can I see owning, leasing and a PPA side by side for my home?
- What happens to my savings if my usage changes?
- Who installs the system, and who do I call for service?
- Will I get the Illinois Shines brochure and disclosure form before I sign?
See if your home qualifies.
We check your roof's sun and shade and your electric bill first, then show which plans fit, with no cost or obligation.
04Questions
Illinois Shines questions
Is Illinois Shines a government program?
Yes. It's run by the Illinois Power Agency. Solar Line Collective is an independent company that works with approved Illinois Shines vendors; we are not the state or the program.
Who can use Illinois Shines?
Homeowners across Illinois with a qualifying solar system, through an Approved Vendor, subject to program rules and available capacity.
What is Illinois Solar for All?
A separate state program for income-eligible households, with no upfront cost, required minimum savings and no credit check. Funding is limited.