Illinois Solar for All Continues Creating Jobs, Reducing Emissions, and Expanding Solar Access

Many public schools are eligible for the Illinois Solar for All program. (Photo via Continental Energy Solutions)

The Illinois Solar for All (ISFA) program continued to expand access to clean energy to low-income individuals and communities that have been overlooked in its fourth year, fulfilling its purpose to create equitable access to solar energy across the state.

A recent report by the Illinois Power Agency shows the impressive impact of ISFA projects approved in Project Year 4 (June 1, 2021- May 31, 2022). These projects added enough solar capacity to power almost 3,300 homes and reduced harmful emissions equivalent to removing 770 cars from the road for a year. More than 200 projects were approved across Illinois, including residential, nonprofit, public facility, and community solar installations. 

While ISFA has always helped disadvantaged communities access the clean energy economy, there was a heightened focus in Project Year 4 on Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs) — communities historically affected by environmental health hazards and often excluded from discussions impacting their quality of life. EJCs benefited from 47% of ISFA funding in Project Year 4, nearly double the program’s target of 25%. 

Economic and environmental benefits have also been substantial. Project Year 4 installations are estimated to create $56.3 million in GDP impacts and support 305 full-time equivalent jobs across the year paying about $16.8 in employee compensation. Additionally, these projects reduced CO2e emissions by 12 million pounds, NOx emissions by 6,000 pounds, and SO2 emissions by 13,000 pounds in the first year.

Low-income customers benefiting from ISFA are seeing monthly bill savings up to $91, while nonprofit and public facilities save an average of almost $1,300 per month. Overall, bill savings range between 84% and 89% of customers’ total bills. In all, Project Year 4 installations are projected to save $26 million in energy costs over the equipment’s lifetime.

ISFA’s impact is made possible by 2021’s landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), committed Illinois to increasing the clean energy economy’s benefits for historically underrepresented individuals and EJCs, among other nation-leading goals such as establishing a 100% clean energy target by 2050. 

CEJA's impact on equity is profound, increasing annual funding for ISFA from $30 million to $70 million. CEJA also expanded the Illinois Shines solar incentive program, which has supported more than 85,000 solar projects, and set ambitious renewable energy goals. Additionally, the state is set to close all coal and fossil gas plants by 2045 and is providing $580 million per year for renewable energy projects. A coal-to-solar program has also been established to help fossil fuel workers transition to the clean energy sector. 

CEJA’s increased funding and comprehensive approach have been pivotal in driving ISFA’s success and ensuring every Illinois resident, regardless of income or zip code, can equitably access the clean energy economy. 

To learn more, read the full ISFA Project Year 4 report HERE.