ISEA Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP)
RECAP will reopen sometime in 2012 and all details will be released at that time.
Members receive priority notification, so join now!
2012 RECAP Sponsor
YEAR
|
PRICE
|
Application Open
|
Application Closed
|
# of SRECs
|
# of Checks
|
| 2012 |
$127.50
|
|
|
|
|
| 2011 |
$200
|
January 4, 2011 |
May 23, 2011
|
|
|
| 2010 |
$135 |
May 14, 2010 |
November 20, 2010 |
168 |
30 |
| 2009 |
$65 |
|
December 30, 2009
|
83
|
20 |
The Illinois Solar Energy Association offers the Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP) to Illinois solar photovoltaic (PV) system owners, providing them with an opportunity to receive payment for their solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Before the RECAP program was implemented, only large energy producers had the ability to sell their SRECs. This program was created in 2008 to provide an additional revenue stream for small PV system owners and to support Illinois solar development.
RECAP is an annual program and requires a yearly application. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be closed when the cap is met. 2012 RECAP is not yet open. An announcement will be emailed to members. 
RECAP is a partnership with Community Energy, Inc (CEI). The aggregated SRECs from RECAP 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.
In 2012, CEI and ISEA expanded RECAP to supply the solar RECs for RE-Power Illinois. RE-Power Illinois is the only 100% Illinois wind and solar electricity product available to ComEd and ARES customers in ComEd territory. Click here to learn more about RE-Power Illinois and how you can switch to 100% IL renewable energy.
Solar photovoltaic systems have two outputs – electricity and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). For every 1 MWh (1000 kWh) of solar electricity generated, one SREC is attributed. SRECs are tradeable, non-tangible pollution abatement rights. They are not paper certificates that you receive from a utility, but rather a system created to distinguish energy produced from renewable sources that don't create pollution.
To qualify for RECAP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an active member with ISEA (Individual membership for a residential system, business membership for a commercial system) Join Now
- Own and operate an Illinois grid-tied solar photovoltaic system with any utility in Illinois (must be net metered)
- System size must be 10 kW alternating current (AC) or smaller
- Level 1 or related interconnection
- Own SRECs and have not otherwise sold or delivered them to another party (No 3rd party SRECs accepted)
- Ability to monitor solar electricity production on a quarterly basis (1/1-3/31, 4/1-6/30, 7/1-9/30, 10/1-12/31)
- Once your application is approved, you are committed to selling your SRECs to ISEA
- 1 application per member per year
- System must be installed and operational before applying
- All applicants are required to provide proof of system
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1.) Does it matter when I apply?
A1.) No, except that the later you apply the risk of the program being fully subscribed increases.
Q2.) Can I only sell the SRECs produced after the date that I apply?
A2.) No. All SRECs produced in the RECAP application year are eligible regardless of application date.
Q3.) Can an installer be the member and complete the application for a client?
A3.) No, the system owner, not the installer, must meet the RECAP membership requirements. Installers may assist with the application process.
Q4.) When will I get a check?
A4.) Once the ISEA and CEI have completed processing all applications and attestation forms, checks will be issued. Most likely in spring of the following year.
Q5.) What other information will I have to provide in order to receive payment?
A5.) You will be required to complete an Attestation Form, and if it is your first time applying, we will require additional proof of system as stipulated on the Attestation Form.
OTHER FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
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 maintaining 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.
Click here to Visit the DSIRE Solar Portal
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Net-Metering Newsletter
While customer-sited net metering and interconnection policies are primarily addressed at the state level, they are also becoming important on a regional basis. This newsletter has been designed to provide state-level policy updates and capture emerging regional trends. Connecting to the Grid is a free, electronic newsletter published each month by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University. Click here to subscribe. Editor: Laurel Varnado NC Solar Center, NC State University
Resources:
State and Utility Net Metering Rules for Distributed Generation
