Illinois State Solar Overview
Illinois is a rapidly growing solar market driven by strong state policy and incentive programs. The state’s clean energy framework, established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, has expanded renewable energy targets beyond earlier goals and significantly increased support for solar deployment across distributed and utility scale sectors. SEIA played a leading role in helping to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, a law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in January 2026 that will help Illinois families and businesses save $13 billion on their electricity bills over 20 years. The law sets a target of deploying 3 gigawatts of battery storage to the state grid by 2030, incentivizes stand-alone energy storage projects, and creates a Virtual Power Plant program, among other provisions.
Illinois continues to see substantial growth in community solar and distributed generation, supported by state administered incentive programs and Renewable Energy Credit procurement through the Illinois Power Agency.
SEIA Illinois State Policy Priorities
- SEIA is actively engaged in implementation and refinement of Illinois’ clean energy programs, including ensuring effective Renewable Energy Credit procurement and long term market stability under the state’s expanded clean energy targets.
- SEIA participates in interconnection rulemakings before the Illinois Commerce Commission to support a more uniform, transparent, and efficient process for distributed generation and community solar projects.
- SEIA is also engaged in regulatory proceedings related to net metering, distributed generation compensation, and utility programs to ensure continued market access and fair treatment of solar customers.
- Additionally, SEIA works with state agencies and stakeholders to address issues related to community solar access, consumer protection, and equitable deployment of solar resources across Illinois.
Illinois Major Solar and Storage Projects
SEIA’s Major Solar Projects List is a database of all U.S. ground-mounted solar projects, 1 MW and above, that are either operating, under construction or under development.
Official SEIA State Affiliate
Just The Facts
-
Solar Installed (MW):
8,290 MWdc
-
Storage Capacity
93 MWh
-
National Ranking:
6th (5th in 2025 additions)
-
Enough Solar Installed to Power:
1,278,181 homes
-
Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:
4.78%
-
Solar Jobs:
5,905
-
Solar Companies in State:
381 (92 Manufacturers, 102 Installers/Developers, 187 Others)
-
Total Solar Investment in State:
$13.8 billion
-
Growth Projection and Ranking:
13,738 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 5th)
-
Number of Installations:
139,362
Illinois State Solar Policy Resources
- DSIRE incentives database Illinois– Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Illinois and across the United States
- Illinois Commerce Commission– Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Illinois public utilities
- Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity– Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
- Illinois State Legislature– Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Illinois
- Illinois Solar Panels Overview– Learn about the history of solar policy in Illinois along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
- Solar Panel Cost in Illinois– Learn about the history of solar policy in Illinois, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
- Solar Rebates & Incentives in Illinois– Check out EnergySage’s list of key solar incentives in Illinois to see what programs you can benefit from
- S. Energy Information Administration – Illinois State Profile– Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
Illinois Energy Storage Policy and Market Overview
Illinois is developing its energy storage market through policy support, incentive programs, and integration with its rapidly growing solar sector.
State efforts focus on expanding storage through utility planning, incentive design, and equity driven programs that aim to increase access across residential, commercial, and community sectors.
Ongoing policy development and procurement efforts are expected to accelerate storage deployment, with a focus on improving grid reliability, lowering costs, and supporting broader clean energy goals.
Illinois Energy Storage Policy Resources
- Energy Storage Program – Energy storage progress, background information, reports, and working group webinars.
- Energy Storage Report –Illinois Commerce Commission report on energy storage technology, legislation, costs & benefits, barriers to market growth, and policy recommendations.
- Illinois Distributed Generation Rebate – Legislation establishing utility rebates for distributed generation. Check out how to apply for rebates with ComED and Ameren
- Coal-to-Solar and Energy Storage Grant – Grant funding aimed at transitioning coal power plants to solar and storage facilities.
- Coal-to-Solar and Energy Storage Initiative – Information, regulations, and mandates for firms procuring RECs through the Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
- Illinois CEJA Grant Programs – Funding opportunities for energy equity, community solar, energy transition, and more.
- DSIRE Illinois Energy Storage Policy Database – Clearinghouse for financial incentives, regulations, and rebates for energy storage and lithium-ion technologies in Illinois and across the United States.
- Energy Storage Cost in Illinois – Up-to-date storage and solar-plus-storage pricing and find installers in Illinois on EnergySage.
- Energy Storage Cost in Illinois – Up-to-date storage and solar-plus-storage pricing and find installers in Illinois on EnergySage.
- Illinois Commerce Commission – Governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Illinois public utilities, search for regulatory dockets, programs, and initiatives.
- Illinois General Assembly – Pending, passed, and historical legislation affecting energy storage and battery systems, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Illinois.
Data References
related content
You May Also Like
