The Illinois Renewables Plan that Will Generate Solar Panel Leads
Illinois’ solar industry has been growing at an exciting rate. After passing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in September 2021, the state saw a major spike in installations and workforce development. In a span of just 5 months, over 2,000 rooftop and community solar projects were installed, producing enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes. By the end of this year, there are another 8,400 projects planned for completion. The goal is to reach 40% clean energy generation by 2030, and 50% by 2040. Now, Illinois is introducing yet another initiative that will stimulate solar growth. The Illinois Power Agency has put forth its 2022 LongTerm Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (LTRRPP), which was granted approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) this July. This plan acts as an amendment to the CEJA, finalizing rules and making revisions to program terms. So, what can contractors expect to come? We review the details of the plan below.
LTRRPP Expands Low-Income & Community Solar A primary focus of the LTRRPP is improving solar access for the state’s low-income households. While many praised the intent behind the CEJA, criticisms cited strict rule sets that made it difficult for projects to access funding, as well as insufficient funding and programs dedicated to low-income projects. The LTRRPP has now set $70 million aside for Illinois’ Solar for All program, which provides zero-down solar systems with mandatory energy savings to low-income residents and critical needs facilities.
Several new programs have also been introduced, one of which funds repairs needed to accommodate rooftop solar installation for lowincome families. Another includes the Community-Driven Community Solar program - an initiative that drives community engagement and ownership in new community solar installations. The LTRRPP has established clear rules that make it easier to apply and qualify for all of the CEJA programs and their expansions. With ample resources made available for new projects moving forward, solar contractors in Illinois are going to have an easier time making low-income and community solar projects work. They’ll no longer have to pass up lucrative and socially-beneficial jobs due to funding barriers.
Find Solar Panel Leads in Illinois and the Other States With this new infusion of cash and support coming to the state’s solar market, installers should prepare to make the most of it. Contractors can make sure they’ll be able to source as many new customers as possible by partnering with a top lead generator. Grid Freedom ranks as one of the best solar marketing agencies in Illinois and America at large. Our inbound process works by attracting customers with serious intent to go solar and using a screening process that confirms it. Contractors are able to book as many appointments as they need at a given time, without worry over contracts or restrictive terms. It’s the quickest, most efficient way to get promising first consultations into your calendar.
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