Solar Financing in Illinois

Financing and the Illinois Shines Program

Illinois offers one of the most unique financing landscapes in the country due to the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) program. This program pays you for the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) your system will produce over 15 years.

Using Your REC Payment

If you purchase your system with a solar loan, you will typically receive your REC payment (often thousands of dollars) as a lump sum a few months after your system is turned on. Most homeowners use this cash injection to immediately pay down the principal of their solar loan, triggering a "re-amortization" that significantly lowers their monthly payment.

Leases vs. Purchases in Illinois

When you sign a solar lease or PPA in Illinois, the third-party solar company takes ownership of your RECs and your Federal ITC. In exchange, they offer you a low, fixed monthly rate for power. While a lease provides zero-down, worry-free energy, purchasing the system (even with a zero-down loan) usually results in far greater long-term wealth creation because you keep the massive REC payout for yourself.