Empowering Solar Growth: Lake County's Policies and Programs Make Going Solar Irresistible

Policies

Climate Equity Jobs Act (CEJA):
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is a landmark commitment by the state of Illinois to a clean energy future, aiming to achieve a 100 percent clean energy grid by 2050. This aggressive policy has defined short-term goals, such as 40% renewable energy in 2030, making it a structured solution to predictable energy needs in the future. Not only does CEJA call for the development of grid-connected renewable energy generation, but it also highlights the need for energy storage technology at retired coal power plants. This is important for improving grid resilience, but it also allows jobs to be created locally in the renewables sector.

Net Metering:
Net metering — which allows solar energy users to be compensated for their extra electricity — is an important financial mechanism. It enables homeowners and businesses with solar systems to earn credits for clean electricity produced and added to the grid. This credit offsets their energy costs, thus lowering their monthly electricity bills. However, potential solar adopters should know that they’ll see reduced net metering benefits for new installations after Jan. 1, 2025. This looming deadline may have implications on the economic returns of future solar builds — so the timing of your solar go-live will matter.

Solar Property Tax Exemption:
Solar Property Tax Exemption is another great incentive to go solar in Lake County. The new policy secures that the increasing value of a property added with solar energy installations would not impact its property tax value. Because property taxes can make up a significant portion of homeowners’ expenditures, it then becomes financially attractive for more residents to invest in solar technologies now without the fear of immediate fallout on property taxes.

Projects

Coal-to-Solar Energy Storage:
One of its well-known rockstars that helps harness the third energy grid, the Waukegan Energy Storage Center with a load of 72 MW, funded $79.2 million over ten years. This facility marks another milestone in the state’s efforts to transform retired coal plants into solar energy and storage hubs. Not only does it help Illinois reach its renewable energy goals in doing so, but it also stabilizes the grid during peak demands — when the power is needed most — or during energizing times when solar energy production may be lower.

Ground-Mounted Array Standard Solar:
A notable project at the local level is the recently completed standard solar ground-mounted array designed to power the Lake County Central Permit Facility. This 2024 project is an example of how local government can support renewable energy. This move not only lessens the building’s carbon footprint but also establishes a pilot program for other government buildings and residential projects in the region, demonstrating the efficacy and feasibility of solar technology.

Incentives

Lake County Renewable Energy Grant Program:
The Lake County Renewable Energy Grant Program is a separate useful tool for residents interested in installing solar energy systems. By offering grants of up to $10,000 for residential projects, this program offers vital financial assistance that can dramatically ease the initial investment that comes with installing solar power.

Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a strong federal incentive enabling homeowners to deduct 30% of the total costs of solar systems — equipment, installation, and labor — from their federal taxes until 2032. It is a significant tax advantage that can help to compensate for the cost of going solar, incentivizing more households to switch to renewable energy.

Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program):
The Illinois Shines program, which was designed to provide additional incentives for solar production, provides a long-term system of bill credits for solar-generated energy, to be earned over the system’s 15-year lifetime. Its popularity can sometimes result in waitlists for applications because of the high interest, but it also represents a commitment to expanding the reach of solar energy to a wider array of Lake County residents.

Illinois Solar for All:
This effort focuses on low-income households, explicitly aiming at equity in solar energy adoption. This includes offers for free or low-cost solar installations, making the benefits of solar energy available to all stratums of society.

State and Local Rebates:
On the heels of this, local utilities such as ComEd have followed suit, providing additional rebate incentives that can be as high as about $1,500 for a 5 kW system. Local rebates combined with federal and state programs reduce the levelized cost of solar technology even further.

Additional Benefits

Workforce Development:
Policies like the CEJA, which promote renewable energy, also encourage development of a local workforce. Training programs funded with CEJA money incentivize the creation of local jobs that will give workers the skills they need to install and maintain solar systems. This also drives economic growth in the community and bolsters energy sustainability.

Cost Stability:
Unlike conventional energy sources, solar power provides a level of stability regarding energy costs. Homeowners enter into fixed-price solar contracts, insulating themselves against the volatility of energy markets, a pillar of long-term financial predictability.

Environmental Impact:
By adopting solar energy in Lake County, it helps reduce carbon emissions contributing to a cleaner environment. Switching to solar power allows residents to collectively offset carbon emissions equivalent to the electricity use of about 100,000 homes per year. This dramatic decline demonstrates the effect solar energy makes in fighting climate change and bringing a greener future to the community.

The reasons going solar benefits Lake County are complex, but rooted in enabling policies, creative projects, and a variety of incentives. Together, these components enable residents to harness renewable energy, nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility while driving regional economic development and job creation.