Solar Tour

Many new policy initiatives, both on a state and federal level, will make solar and wind power more available and affordable than ever in Illinois.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency investments position Illinois for the future by providing economic development benefits and energy security while offsetting global warming pollutants. The power of the sun can work for Illinoisans in all 102 counties and our wind energy resources are actively being developed. These technologies and methods are working and available right now, in real places for real people. Since its inception, the Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) has successfully facilitated more than $248 million of total investment in renewable energy projects in Illinois through almost $28.7 million in grant and rebate expenditures. Additionally, many new policy initiatives, both on a state and federal level, will make solar and wind power more available and affordable than ever in Illinois.

In response to the challenge of global warming, Governor Rod Blagojevich created the Illinois Climate Change Advisory Group to develop a comprehensive strategy to slash Illinois’ global warming pollutants to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Governor Blagojevich supports policies that promote energy efficiency measures to decrease energy usage, increase the production of energy from renewable resources, enhance biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel and establish a cap on carbon emissions while allowing businesses to trade credits to comply.  Reducing greenhouse gas pollution is good for the economy and creates jobs.  Every $1 invested in energy efficiency creates $4 in energy savings.  Over the next 10 years, companies will invest $6 billion in wind energy development here in Illinois.  In addition, biofuels projects support both farm income and create industrial jobs throughout the state. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is pleased to sponsor the Illinois Guide of the National Tour of Solar Buildings to showcase the many homes, businesses and organizations throughout the state that already feature renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.  Please enjoy learning how these homes, businesses and organizations have reduced energy demand and obtain clean renewable energy! 

Internet resources on solar and wind power for Illinois

• American Solar Energy Society –  www.ases.org
• American Wind Energy Association – www.awea.org
• Clean Power Estimator – www.consumerenergycenter.org/renewables/estimator/index.html 
• Database of all energy tax incentives – www.energytaxincentives.org
• Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy – www.dsireusa.org          
• Florida Solar Energy Center – www.fsec.ucf.edu
• Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation – www.illinoiscleanenergy.org
• Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity – www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/ 
• Illinois Renewable Energy Association – www.illinoisrenew.org
• Illinois Solar Energy Association – www.illinoissolar.org
• Illinois Wind Organization – www.illinoiswind.org
• Illinois Wind Working Group – www.wind.ilstu.edu
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council – www.irecusa.org   
• Locating solar contractor – www.findsolar.com
• Midwest Environmental Law and Policy Center – www.elpc.org
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory – www.nrel.gov
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners – www.nabcep.org
• Solar Energy Industries Association – www.seia.org
• US Department of Agriculture Renewable Energy Program –  www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html
• US Department of Energy solar programs – www.eere.energy.gov/solar
• US Department of Energy wind program – www.windpoweringamerica.gov