ISEA Solar PV
Incentive Program - RECAP
The Illinois Solar Energy Association offers the Renewable Energy
Credit
Aggregation Program (RECAP) to Illinois solar PV system owners, providing
them with an opportunity to receive payment for their SRECs. Before the
RECAP program was implemented,
only large energy producers had the
ability to sell their SRECs. The program
was created in 2008 to provide an
additional revenue stream for small PV system
owners and to support Illinois solar development.
RECAP is a partnership with Community Energy, Inc (CEI). ISEA members SREC’s are used to supply the solar portion of
the award winning City of Naperville Renewable Energy Program. This partnership is the first market
example of SREC transactions within Illinois.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have two outputs – electricity and
solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). For every 1000 kWh (1 MWh) of solar electricity generated,
one SREC is also issued. SRECs are
tradeable, non-tangible pollution abatement rights.
To qualify for RECAP,
you must meet the following criteria:
- Illinois grid-tied solar pv system
- ISEA member in good standing (Individual membership for residential system, business membership for commercial system)
- Own SRECs and have not otherwise sold or delivered them to another party
- System 10 kW alternating current (AC) or smaller on a Level 1 or related interconnection
- Ability to monitor solar electricity production on a monthly basis
RECAP is an annual program and requires a yearly application. Applications are accepted on a first
come, first served basis and will be cut off when the cap is met. Applicants will be notified at the
beginning of 2011 how much, if any, of their PV RECs will be purchased with a
formal application process. ISEA will be paying $135 per each 2010 SREC approved for the RECAP, a $70 increase from 2009 SREC prices.
For further
information, please email michelle.hickey@illinoissolar.org
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Interest in improving the energy efficiency of homes and
businesses and in installing
renewable energy systems is growing, but cost can
be a barrier. Fortunately,
there is
a comprehensive resource that aggregates information about federal,
state, local and
utility incentives and policies for renewable energy and
energy efficiency improvements.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables &
Efficiency (DSIRE) is an online searchable
database that has been operated by
North Carolina State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
(IREC) since 1995 and is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). DSIRE, pronounced “desire,” does a great job of maintaning the
database and keeping information current.
They provide the relevant details for each incentive, plus a summary,
link to the original source, and contact information if you have additional
questions.
When considering an investment in solar, wind, or other
renewable energy technologies, visit DSIRE to learn about the various
incentives, and also about the requirements for each. For instance, the IL DCEO Solar and Wind Energy Rebate
Program offers a 30% rebate for residential and commercial systems, and 50% for
non-profit and public systems.
This program does have system size, equipment, and installation
requirements and property owners are encouraged to apply before making a
financial commitment.
Visit DSIRE at www.dsireusa.org.