History

Illinois joined the community solar market in 2016 with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act, legislation that created a program that aimed to make solar energy accessible and affordable for all state residents, including low-income communities. The 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) bolstered the initiative by allocating funding for 250 MW of projects (about 40,000 subscribers) plus around 150 MW of projects going forward each year.

The market continues to grow, partially due to the Illinois Shines program, which provides financial incentives for community solar projects. Legislators are working to ensure that community solar programs have consumer protections like bill credits, no exit fees, and clear disclosures.

Supportive Policies

Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires electric utilities and retail suppliers to achieve a 25% renewable energy target by this year. The CEJA also set a target of 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Utilities may achieve this by procuring Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

Illinois Solar for All prioritizes making solar savings available to low-income and environmental justice communities, offering renters and homeowners with an area median income of 80% or less access to community solar subscribership. Illinois Shines offers direct and indirect community benefits like subscribership, wealth-building, and project engagement from community members, nonprofit organizations, and public entities.

Exciting Solar Growth

As of June 2023, there were 107 total community solar projects in Illinois with a combined capacity of 207 MW operational. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the state ranked 11th in the country for solar generation as of March 2025. From 2023 to 2024 solar capacity in the state tripled, partially driven by community solar deployment, and the market is predicted to grow over 10 GW in the next five years.

Standard Solar in Illinois

Over the past few years, Standard Solar has been a key player in helping Illinois meet its ambitious clean energy goals. Our company has a strong presence in the state, with 30 projects across various stages—owned, operational, under construction, and contracted—totaling 150 MW.

Hillsboro Solar Project

  • 6.9 MW array located in Montgomery County on 33 33-acre converted hazardous waste site
  • Offsets up to 9,985 metric tons of CO₂ annually

Lake County Central Permit Facility Solar Project

  • 2.4 MW farm powering Lake County’s Central Permit Facility
  • Offsets CO2 equivalent to removing approximately 515 cars from the road annually

Cenergy IL – BA Family Solar Project

  • 6.65 MW array on 32.3 acres in the Village of Limestone, Kankakee County
  • Offsets up to 7,990 metric tons of CO₂ annually
  • Employs agrivoltaics through a pollinator habitat management plan and sheep grazing to manage vegetation growth and support long-term soil health and agricultural productivity

84 MW Illinois Community Solar Portfolio

  • Three sets of community solar gardens, consisting of six sites with a capacity of approximately 47 MW, four sites totaling 12 MW and four sites representing 25 MW
  • Acquired from longtime partner developer New Leaf Energy