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Performance payment · Illinois Power Agency · Illinois

Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program — SRECs)

SREC payments $50–$80/MWh over 15 years

Illinois Shines — formally the Adjustable Block Program — is Illinois' SREC market that pays solar customers performance-based incentives over 15 years. Customers receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for each MWh produced; the SRECs are sold to ComEd, Ameren, MidAmerican, and other Illinois utilities to meet state Renewable Portfolio Standard obligations. The Illinois Power Agency sets per-MWh prices in advance — current residential rates run $50–$80/MWh. Over 15 years, a typical 8 kW system generates ~180 MWh of SRECs worth $9,000–$14,400 in cumulative SREC revenue. Combined with federal 25D and Illinois sales tax exemption, the Illinois stack delivers strong solar economics despite the state's modest solar resource.

Eligibility

Who qualifies?

Illinois residents installing solar PV systems. The program runs through approved Approved Vendors who handle SREC monetization.

System size?

Up to 25 kW residential. Most homes install 6–10 kW.

Sale or upfront option?

Most homeowners assign SRECs to the Approved Vendor in exchange for an upfront cash payment representing the present value of 15 years of SRECs.

How to apply for Illinois Shines

  1. Choose IPA Approved Vendor

    Approved Vendor list at illinoisshines.com. Most Illinois solar installers are Approved Vendors.

  2. Sign 15-year SREC contract

    Vendor offers either upfront lump-sum (in exchange for SRECs) or annual SREC sale via vendor.

  3. Reserve in current Block

    Each Block has fixed allocation; step-down between Blocks. Reserve early in a Block for highest rate.

  4. Install and interconnect

    Standard solar install + ComEd/Ameren/etc. interconnection.

  5. SREC revenue

    Either annual SREC payments or upfront lump-sum at install.

Stacking with other programs

Stacks with federal 25D (30% on full cost), Illinois sales tax exemption (state tax), property tax exemption (improved value not added to assessment), and ComEd/Ameren net metering. Total IL stack delivers ~50–60% effective cost coverage including SREC value over 15 years.

Frequently asked questions

Upfront vs annual SREC payment — which is better? +
Upfront simplifies cash flow and shifts risk to the vendor. Annual gives potential upside if SREC prices rise. Most homeowners choose upfront.
Stack with federal 25D? +
Yes. SREC payments are revenue (not basis-reducing). Federal 30% applies to full system cost.
Block step-down — how often? +
Blocks deplete every 4–8 months in heavy-demand areas. Each Block has lower per-MWh price than the prior.
Solar for All — separate? +
Yes. Illinois Solar for All is the income-qualified track with upfront rebates instead of SREC monetization.

Official program page: https://illinoisshines.com/

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