COMMON QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The payment is: (Estimated annual production in MWh) x (15 years) x (REC price for your size tier and utility group). Production estimates use your system size, orientation, tilt, and shading to calculate an expected capacity factor. GEC provides this calculation as part of our proposal.
Your project goes on a waitlist for the next program year. Waitlisted projects receive a REC price within 20% of the price posted when waitlisted. The 2025–26 program year has increased capacity allocations, reducing waitlist risk.
Yes. Illinois Shines covers all Illinois utilities. Ameren, MidAmerican, Mt. Carmel, and rural co-ops/munis fall under Group A pricing. GEC primarily serves ComEd territory but can discuss projects in other service areas.
Yes. IL Shines contracts are transferable to a new property owner. The contract transfers with the system, and the new owner assumes the remaining payment stream. GEC can assist with contract transfer documentation.
Typically 60–120 days from application submission to contract execution, depending on block availability and utility interconnection timelines. GEC manages the process and keeps you informed at each milestone.
For commercial and industrial customers, no. C&I customers already receive supply-only net metering credits regardless of IL Shines participation. The net metering trade-offs primarily affect residential customers who take the ComEd DG Rebate.
WHO QUALIFIES
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
INCENTIVE STACKS
STACKS WITH
System must be interconnected in Illinois
Installation must be performed by an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor (GEC qualifies)
Equipment and interconnection must meet current utility and Illinois Shines program requirements, including inverter standards
Projects must comply with prevailing wage requirements (CEJA mandate)
Must meet Minimum Equity Standard (MES) workforce requirements
Applies to Small DG (0–25 kW AC), Large DG (above 25 kW AC up to 5 MW AC), Community Solar, and Public Schools
Geographic groups: Group B covers ComEd (PJM area) — most Northern Illinois commercial projects. Group A covers Ameren, MidAmerican, Mt. Carmel, and rural co-ops/munis in MISO.
Illinois Shines operates on a program year cycle (June 1 through May 31). Block capacity is allocated annually — once a block fills, projects are waitlisted for the next program year. Timing matters.
OUR ROLE
HOW GEC HELPS
As an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor, GEC manages the entire Illinois Shines process — from application submission to contract execution to annual reporting. You don't need to navigate the IPA portal or utility interconnection process yourself.
IL Shines Approved Vendor status — authorized to submit ABP applications
Block availability monitoring and application timing strategy
System design optimized for maximum REC production
Utility interconnection application and coordination
IL Shines contract review and execution support
Annual REC production reporting and payment tracking
Coordination with ComEd and Ameren on program requirements
PROGRAM DETAILS
WHAT YOU GET
Illinois Shines, also known as the Adjustable Block Program (ABP), is Illinois' primary state solar REC incentive program. It pays eligible project participants for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by approved solar projects under program contracts. Term length and payment structure depend on project category and current program rules.
1 REC = 1 MWh (1,000 kWh) of solar production. For a 500 kW system in ComEd territory, Illinois Shines can generate over $520,000 in REC contract value — based on illustrative production assumptions and 2025–26 Large DG pricing. GEC provides project-specific estimates as part of our proposal.
GEC is an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor. We handle program enrollment, documentation, and REC contract administration on your behalf.
INCENTIVE TYPE
RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS (RECs)
One REC = 1,000 kWh of solar production.
CONTRACT TERM
15 Years
Fixed-price contract with the Illinois utility.
Some categories, especially certain community solar structures, may use different terms.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
Varies by category
REC payment timing depends on project category and contract structure. GEC will clarify the applicable structure for your project.
REC PRICE
$49.45-$69.65/ REC
2025–26 Program Year, Large DG, ComEd (Group B).
SYSTEM SIZE CAP
Up to 5MW AC
Large DG is greater than 25kW AC and up to and including 5 MW AC.
TIMING
Yearly Cycle
Illinois Shines operates on program year cycle (June 1 through May 31)