Solar Power in DuPage County: Policies, Programs, and Incentives You Need to Know
If you’re considering going solar in DuPage County, Illinois, you may be interested to know the many benefits that come with installing a solar power system at your home or business. Here is a deep dive on the main benefits by policies, programs, projects, and incentives:
Policies
Expedited Permitting:
DuPage County has policies to expedite the permitting process for renewable energy projects. This enables faster solar installation approvals and implementations, which can decrease the time and money needed to start projects.
1) Green Building Incentive Program:
The county promotes energy-efficient construction practices with fee reductions (up to 10%) and expedited reviews for LEED certified and solar energy solutions projects. This policy encourages builders and developers to make solar part of their designs from the ground up.
PACE Financing:
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing enables commercial property owners to access low-cost, long-term capital for solar projects and other energy efficiency upgrades. This structure allows businesses to pursue solar energy without burdensome upfront costs, and repay over time through property assessments.
Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA):
This statewide program encourages solar development in low-income communities to see that these underserved populations have access to renewable energy. This effort seeks to generate employment within these communities and connect solar development to economic development.
Programs
Illinois Solar for All:
50% reduction on electric costs for income-eligible households and a 10% reduction for anyone else. This creates no or low upfront cost packages, making solar more affordable and viable for different wage brackets.
Community Solar:
Through this partnership, residents have the opportunity to enroll in community solar projects and receive a $25 bonus upon enrollment, as well as bill credits for their portion of the solar energy produced. This model allows individuals who are unable to fix solar panels on their own properties to receive renewable energy.
“Solar Switch” Group Purchasing:
This program pools the buying power of local residents, affording volume discounts on solar installations. Residents can save considerable installation costs when joining together as part of a cooperative buying group.
Illinois Shines:
A state program that incentivizes community-owned solar projects using Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Community development bonuses encourage local ownership and benefits for community stakeholders from solar projects of up to 5 MW.
Elevate Energy:
The organization offers free energy assessments to residents and businesses to point them toward energy efficiency and solar incentives in the state. The information helps consumers make informed decisions on solar investments.
ComEd Incentives:
Combined with ComEd rebates (up to $300 per kW) for solar installations, this makes solar more economical than ever for homeowners and businesses alike.
Projects
Community-Driven Solar Farms:
Many projects, including some in DuPage County, must have at least 50% community ownership in order to be considered community solar projects. Such initiatives prevent the economic and environmental gains of solar energy built in the community from leaving it, localizing its sustainability.
DuPage Township Partnership:
Working with Solstice also connects residents to local community solar farms. Readers who may not want to install solar panels, but still want to participate in renewable energy, can do so.
Incentives
Federal Tax Credits:
The Inflation Reduction Act includes a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar for businesses and homes. This generous tax credit can help you cut the cost of your solar investment by a good margin.
State Rebates:
Illinois Shines also offers financial incentives for commercial solar projects, ranging from $35 to $50 per MWh produced, helping to encourage in-state clean energy production.
ComEd DG Rebates:
ComEd also offers upfront discounts and rebates for qualifying distributed generation systems in the Chicago area, helping residents fund their solar installations.
Property Tax Exemptions:
Increased property valuations do not apply to solar installations so that homeowners who invest in solar will not see an increase to their property tax as a result of their solar investment.
Additional Resources
DSIRE Database
DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) provides a targeted list of incentives by state, allowing residents to identify the best options for them.
Illinois Power Agency:
This agency oversees investments in renewable energy and has an annual budget of roughly $180 million for clean energy technology deployment.
In summary, the acceleration toward solar energy in DuPage County is not only a green initiative, but also a very strong business case. Residents and businesses have a chance to help with the transition in a meaningful way as long as a functional supportive system with appropriate policies, versatile programs, collaborative projects, and financial incentives are put in place to utilize the cost savings and renewable energy potential.