What Is Illinois Shines? Here’s How the Program Helps You Save on Solar in 2025
If you're thinking about going solar in Illinois, you've probably come across something called Illinois Shines.
Sounds good, right? But also… kind of vague?
This blog breaks it down in plain English—no jargon, no fluff—so you know:
- What Illinois Shines actually is
- Who it’s for
- How it pays you
- How it works with other solar incentives
- And what to expect in 2025
Let’s get into it.
What Is Illinois Shines?
Illinois Shines is a state-run solar incentive program that helps people who go solar get paid for the clean energy their systems produce.
It’s not a rebate. It’s not a loan. It’s more like a “thank you” payment from the state for helping reduce pollution and power the grid with renewable energy.
Illinois Shines is part of the state’s goal to go 100% clean energy—and your solar panels help get us there.
How Does Illinois Shines Work?
When you install solar panels on your home, your system is expected to generate a certain amount of energy over the next 15 years.
For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) it produces, you earn something called a Solar Renewable Energy Credit—or SREC.
And here’s the cool part:
The state buys those SRECs from you.
You don’t have to do anything extra—your solar company applies for the program and handles the paperwork. You just get the benefit.
How Much Money Are We Talking?
The amount you get depends on:
- How big your system is
- Where in Illinois you live
- How the funding blocks are set up that year
In most cases, the payments can knock thousands of dollars off your total system cost. That means less out-of-pocket expense—and faster savings.
Sometimes you get it as a one-time payment, other times it’s spread out over 5 years. Your installer will go over that with you.
Who Qualifies for Illinois Shines?
Most Illinois homeowners who install new solar systems are eligible—especially if you:
- Work with a qualified solar company
- Install a system under 25 kilowatts (most homes fall in this range)
- Agree to stay in the program for 15 years
You do not have to meet income limits (though there’s a related program called Illinois Solar for All for income-qualified households).
Is This the Same as Net Metering?
Nope—but they work together. Net metering gives you credits on your utility bill, while Illinois Shines gives you separate payments from the state for producing clean energy.
Want to learn how net metering changed in 2025? Here’s our beginner-friendly blog on what changed—and what it means.
Is Illinois Shines Still Available in 2025?
Yes! The program is still running in 2025, and new “funding blocks” (basically budgeted openings) have been released to keep it going.
There’s a set amount of money available per utility region, and once that fills up, the next block may have lower payouts—so acting sooner can mean more savings.
What if I Lease My Panels?
Great question. If you own your system, the SRECs go to you. If you lease your panels or do a power purchase agreement (PPA), the SRECs usually go to the solar company, not you.
That’s something to ask about up front before you sign any contract.
Note: At Brda Electric, we only install systems you own, which means you get to keep the Illinois Shines incentive—not a third-party company. Some national providers offer solar leases or “free panels,” but in those cases, they usually collect the incentives instead of you.
Can I Still Get the Federal Solar Tax Credit Too?
Absolutely. Illinois Shines works on top of the federal tax credit.
So if you:
- Save money through Illinois Shines and
- Claim the 30% federal tax credit
You’re stacking two great incentives and saving more overall.
Want to learn more? Read more about the federal solar tax credit here.
TL;DR: What You Should Know
- Illinois Shines = cash incentive for going solar
- You earn SRECs, and the state pays you for them
- Most homeowners qualify
- Still available in 2025
- Works with net metering and the federal tax credit
- More popular = less funding over time → sooner = better
Want to See if You Qualify?
We make it simple. At Brda Electric, we’ll:
- Help you see if your home qualifies
- Handle the Illinois Shines paperwork
- Make sure you get every available incentive
- Build a solar system that’s designed for your roof, your usage, and your budget
Contact Brda Electric today and let’s see how much you could save through Illinois Shines.