ISEA is working hard to ensure that our members' interests are protected and promoted.  One of the many ways we are doing this is through the development of this new user-friendly website.   Check out the business members' logos at the bottom of the home page.  Corporate and premier members' logos link directly the business website. Charter members' logos are linked to the member's profile. The business member search page has been cleaned up and all business members' logos have been added.   We encourage all ISEA business members to update their profile pages.  As the ..read more

              POLICY ACTION ALERT Public written comments on the DG Certification ruling (Docket 12-0213) are due on Monday December 17th 2012.  Please provide your written comments directly to the Illinois Commerce Commission.  It is imperative that you detail how this ruling will impact your business.  In our interpretation, there are 3 basic issues with the statute: the definition of “install”, the definition of “qualified person” and the certifications that will be recognized and the fee structure. Please ..read more

POLICY ACTION ALERT It is imperative that anyone with a vested interest in the development of solar in Illinois participate in this Public Hearing regarding the certification of distributed generation installers.  This is your opportunity to voice your opinion on how these rules will affect your business and the growth of solar in Illinois. Monday, December 10th 9:30 am 2 Illinois Commerce Commission Locations Springfield Leland Building 527 East Capitol Avenue  Chicago 160 N. LaSalle St, Suite C-800 Anyone from the public may attend and comment. The current Distributed Generation In ..read more

People with renewable energy systems or considering installing one and those who live in communities that have or recently voted for Municipal Aggregation of their electricity will be faced with a term that can be confusing - Renewable Energy Certificates/Credits, often referred to as RECs. All energy production generates at least two outputs.  Traditional energy, coal and nuclear, generate electricity and pollution/waste.  Renewable energy systems, like solar arrays and wind turbines, generate two outputs as well – electricity and RECs.  The RECs are a mechanism developed by th ..read more

The Illinois DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program is OPEN Application http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/01-RERP.htm Photovoltaic (solar electric) incentives $1.50/watt or 25% for homeowners and businesses $2.60/watt or 40% for nonprofits and public entities Wind energy incentives $1.70/watt or 30% of project cost for homeowners and businesses $2.60/watt or 40% for non-profits and public entities Solar thermal incentives 30% of project cost for homeowners and businesses 40% of project cost for non-profits and public entities Maximu ..read more

The IL DCEO has announced that there WILL BE a SOLAR & WIND ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM for 2012.  It will have less money than 2011, but will still fund solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, and wind installations. GO SOLAR ..read more

Source:  DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) This update contains solicitations for renewable energy generation, renewable energy certificates, and green power as a courtesy to our subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, these requests for proposals and solicitations are neither supported nor endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Green Power Network. Deadline - August 15, 2012 Western Area Power Administration (Western) RFP seeking up to 592,618 MWh of eligible renewable energy certificates (RECs) on behalf of various U.S. Department of Energy national labo ..read more

The solar community was inspired last night at Solar Drinks to galvanize our collective power to establish a sustainable future for solar.  Clean Energy Illinois PAC leaders presented their plan to raise money to fund election efforts for candidates that will not only support clean energy legislation but CREATE growth and longevity. Illinois policy has consistently hindered solar development and with this latest hit to the DCEO Solar & Wind Energy Rebate Program by Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) combined with the RPS funding issue, the solar community is ready to take action ..read more

Special Assessment for IL Solar Energy Systems Solar systems should not increase your property taxes according to Property Tax Code § 35 ILCS 200/10-5 et seq.  Illinois offers a special assessment for solar energy systems, but you may have to register with a chief county assessment officer or contact your local assessor.  Solar energy equipment is valued at no more than a conventional energy system. Eligible equipment includes both active and passive solar-energy systems. Check your property tax bill, and if you feel your assessment increased due to your solar installation, contac ..read more

The ISEA is made up of incredible people who support solar in many ways:    •  through membership which funds ISEA programs    •  by installing renewable energy on their home or business    •  by working in the renewable energy industry    •  by volunteering    •  and by being a Solar Ambassador! Just recently several ISEA members have stepped up as Solar Ambassadors sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for solar with others to expand awareness and support solar development! Peter Gorr was recently recognized by th ..read more