Illinois is taking another step towards clean energy, launching its biggest year yet for solar. But with a new program year comes new rules for companies that install solar panels for homes and businesses in the Illinois Shines program.
This month, the 2023-2024 program year kicks off for Illinois Shines. This will allow more people to apply for tax credits to install solar panel systems.
According to our news partners at WAND TV, the Illinois Shines program is part of the larger Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The law stipulates a phased-in set of equity eligible requirements.
This means, as of June 1st, vendors were required to have 10% of their workforce be made up of people that have either been formerly incarcerated, raised in foster care, graduated a workforce program or live in an area damaged by pollution.
The other issue, the state-run workforce programs haven’t launched yet.
Illinois Shines is also launching a mentorship program and new website this year.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is hosting a webinar June 22nd at 1pm for those interested in working in the renewable energy field. Click here to register.
