Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program Guide
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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Illinois Shines Program?

To facilitate the development of new photovoltaic distributed generation and community solar projects.

What are the project categories established by the Illinois Shines Program? (Select all that apply)

  • Equity Eligible Contractor (correct)
  • Community Solar (correct)
  • Large Distributed Generation (correct)
  • Small Distributed Generation (correct)

    • The Illinois Shines Program is only intended for community solar projects.

    False

    When is a project considered submitted?

    <p>A project is considered submitted when the batch to which that application belongs is submitted and payment for that batch is initiated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does the Program year for the Illinois Shines Program begin and end?

    <p>June 1 to May 31 of the following calendar year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to waitlisted projects when capacity opens up?

    <p>They are filled from the top of the waitlist.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The renewable energy credits generated by participating projects are paid over the first ___ years of operation.

    <p>15 or 20</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Projects in waitlist can skip ahead of others if they have a higher REC price.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Illinois Shines Program?

    <p>Energy Solutions, Inc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum REC price a project can receive based on?

    <p>The maximum REC price is based on the price available at the time of its initial submission to the Program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act requires the development of an Adjustable Block program in Illinois?

    <p>Public Act 99-0906</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approved Vendors must renew their approval once a year.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Minimum Equity Standard (MES) percentage required for equity eligible persons on projects in 2023?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if an Approved Vendor fails to fulfill program requirements?

    <p>Their status as an Approved Vendor could be suspended or revoked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were some key changes in the 2023-24 Guidebook edition? (Select all that apply)

    <p>New information on the Public Schools anchor tenant waiver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is required for Equity Eligible Contractor registration?

    <p>Documentation of partner eligibility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Program does not require a specific delegation of duties between the Approved Vendor, installer/developer, and __________.

    <p>system owner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the contact information for Approved Vendors important?

    <p>It's the primary contact for Program updates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must Approved Vendors demonstrate as part of the evaluation criteria?

    <p>They must demonstrate existence as a legal entity and authorization to do business in Illinois.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must Approved Vendors maintain records of?

    <p>Communicating program requirements to Designees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a Designee is suspended, they will also be suspended from the Illinois Solar for All Program.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Designees must indicate if they are __________, __________, __________, or considered a small business.

    <p>minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required from a Designee during the registration process?

    <p>An attestation to comply with all applicable program requirements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Disclosure Form Designee authorized to do?

    <p>Generate Disclosure Forms on behalf of the Approved Vendor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nested Designees can hold the role of Community Solar Subscriber Agent Designee.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a Designee fails to comply with program requirements?

    <p>They may be suspended or terminated from future participation in the Program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Program Administrator maintain?

    <p>Public list of Designees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Designees will be listed in a __________ database on both the ABP website and the Illinois Shines website.

    <p>public</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum size for Small Distributed Generation projects?

    <p>25 kW</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What scoring mechanism is used if the capacity for Traditional Community Solar projects is exceeded?

    <p>A scoring mechanism outlined in Appendix E.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum score required for a Community-Driven Community Solar project to be eligible for a REC contract?

    <p>6 points</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which groups are allocated the 100 MW for Public Schools?

    <p>Group A and Group B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Community solar projects can be placed on land leased by a school or district.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC)?

    <p>A business that is majority-owned by equity eligible persons or a nonprofit/cooperative majority-governed by eligible persons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Public School project is defined as a distributed generation or community solar project located at a __________ in Illinois.

    <p>public school</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 20% developer cap for Traditional Community Solar projects?

    <p>To ensure fair distribution of capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the categories with their definitions:

    <p>Small Distributed Generation = Projects up to 25 kW Large Distributed Generation = Projects greater than 25 kW up to 5 MW Community Solar = Solar projects that allow multiple subscribers Equity Eligible Contractor = Business majority-owned by equity eligible persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a block's capacity is filled?

    <p>Applications will be placed on a waitlist until the next program year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Illinois Shines Program Overview

    • Illinois Shines, also called the Adjustable Block Program, is a state-administered solar incentive initiative for photovoltaic and community solar projects.
    • Aims to facilitate project development through the issuance of renewable energy credit (REC) delivery contracts, as mandated by Illinois law.

    Program Administration

    • Managed by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and third-party Program Administrator, Energy Solutions, Inc.
    • Guidebook serves as a comprehensive resource for current and prospective participants, detailing application and participation requirements.

    Key Updates and Changes (2023-24 Program Year)

    • New prohibition on TBD Disclosure Forms for Community-Driven Community Solar projects.
    • Updated requirements for projects involving battery storage systems.
    • Introduction of disciplinary decision publication for Program violations.
    • Clarification on public school anchor tenant waivers and Minimum Equity Standard (MES) waivers.
    • Information organization has been refined, with essential requirements moved to appendices.

    Program Eligibility and Structure

    • New photovoltaic distributed generation (DG) and community solar (CS) projects receive incentives based on REC generation over 15 or 20 years, depending on the project category.
    • Categories include:
      • Small Distributed Generation: Projects up to 10 kW AC.
      • Large Distributed Generation: Projects over 10 kW AC and up to 2 MW AC.
      • Community Solar Projects.

    Regulatory Framework

    • Established by Public Act 99-0906 (Future Energy Jobs Act), effective June 1, 2017.
    • Requires a transparent schedule of REC prices and quantities to promote market scaling and predictable price adjustments.

    Consumer Protection and Compliance

    • The Program includes mechanisms for customer service, handling complaints, and addressing consumer protection violations.
    • Violations of Program requirements can result in specific consequences, ensuring adherence to established standards.

    Application and Project Processes

    • Structured application process divided into Part I and Part II, including inspection and energization protocols.
    • Requirements for community solar projects are specifically outlined, along with checklists for documentation needed.

    Additional Reference Materials

    • Glossary of terms is provided for clarity on key concepts.
    • Appendices offer supplementary information regarding REC pricing, vendor requirements, and program application procedures.
    • Past REC prices and evaluation criteria for traditional and community-driven solar projects are documented for reference.

    Performance and Reporting

    • Annual reporting requirements for participants ensure accountability and compliance with equity standards.
    • Performance evaluation mechanisms are established to assess the Program's effectiveness and participant adherence.### Overview of Public Act 102-0662
    • Effective date: September 15, 2021.
    • Amended the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) Act and other significant Illinois laws impacting the Illinois Shines program.
    • Expanded project categories from three to six, adding Community-Driven Community Solar, Public Schools, and Equity Eligible Contractor categories.

    New Requirements Introduced

    • Most participating projects now subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, ensuring fair wages for construction workers.
    • Minimum Equity Standard (MES) mandates that by June 1, 2023, 10% of the workforce on projects must consist of equity eligible persons, rising to 30% by 2030.
    • Transition from a cascading block program to an annual block program beginning June 1, aligning with the delivery year.

    Data Collection and Equity Accountability

    • The IPA is responsible for collecting demographic data to assess equitable distribution of program benefits.
    • Data collection includes racial/ethnic identities and residential information of employees involved in projects.
    • Additional requirements to track involvement of graduates from specialized training programs established under P.A. 102-0662.

    Program Administration and Rules

    • The IPA may retain expert consultants to assist with program administration.
    • Program participants can appeal decisions made by the Program Administrator to the IPA.
    • Key program documents include the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, Program Guidebook, and Consumer Protection Handbook.

    Program Categories and Descriptions

    • Includes six project categories:
      • Small Distributed Generation (SDG): Projects up to 25 kW.
      • Large Distributed Generation (LDG): Projects ranging from 25 kW to 5 MW.
      • Traditional Community Solar (TCS): Community solar projects up to 5 MW.
      • Public Schools: Distributed generation and community solar projects serving public schools.
      • Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS): Community solar projects that meet specific criteria.
      • Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC): Projects submitted by equity eligible contractors.

    Capacity and Allocation for Community Solar

    • A scoring system is in place for Traditional Community Solar projects when capacity exceeds limits.
    • Community-Driven Community Solar projects must score a minimum of six points for eligibility.

    Public Schools Program Specifics

    • Allocated 100 MW capacity for public school projects, divided between Groups A and B.
    • Capacity allocation favors schools within Environmental Justice Communities (70% for Tier 1 and 2 schools).
    • Projects must be submitted to the Adjustable Block Program starting from the 2023-2024 program year, discontinuing previous participation in Illinois Solar for All programs.

    Conclusion

    • P.A. 102-0662 signifies a major shift towards equity, wage fairness, and structured capacity in Illinois energy projects, emphasizing community involvement and workforce development.### Project Location Requirements
    • Distributed generation projects must be located at the serving public school or school district facility.
    • Community solar projects should be on school- or district-owned land per the 2022 Long-Term Plan.
    • Proximity to anchor tenants is permissible, but not required for adjacent land.
    • Projects on leased land are ineligible unless a public school is on the same parcel.
    • Land ownership must be retained for the entire duration of the REC Contract (20 years).
    • Changes in land ownership must be reported and assessed for program continuation.

    Anchor Tenant Requirements

    • Public schools or school districts must be anchor subscribers, committing to 10-40% of the project’s capacity.
    • 20-year REC Contract requires ongoing subscription commitment by the anchor tenant.
    • Approved Vendors must provide a letter of intent from the subscribing school/district during the application process.
    • Community solar projects are mandated to have at least 50% small subscribers.

    Waivers for Anchor Tenant

    • Anchor tenants can request waivers to transfer subscriptions or adjust sizes within established limits.
    • Waivers are to be used for unforeseen circumstances (e.g., school closure, reduced electric load).
    • A minimum remaining subscription of 10% from the anchor tenant is required.
    • Documentation is necessary for waiver requests, which are assessed case-by-case.

    Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC)

    • EECs are majority-owned by eligible persons or governed by qualified nonprofits/cooperatives.
    • Only Approved Vendors who qualify as EEC can utilize the Equity Eligible Contractor capacity.
    • Projects must maintain EEC certification from Part I to Part II verification.
    • Non-EEC approved vendors cannot assign EEC projects to non-EEC entities for six years post-Part II verification.

    Capacity and Allocation for EEC

    • Starting 2023-24, EEC category will include Community Solar and Distributed Generation subcategories.
    • Initial split: 75% Community Solar, 25% Distributed Generation for the first nine months.
    • Projects may be added to a waitlist if block capacity is filled.

    Community Solar Subscriptions

    • Subscriptions occur at the utility account level; one account can have multiple subscriptions.
    • Monitoring performed by Program Administrator as per REC contract guidelines.

    Confidential Treatment of Subscriber Information

    • Approved Vendors must protect and maintain confidentiality of subscriber information.
    • Disclosure is prohibited without consent, except for necessary program administration purposes.

    Block Structure and Allocation

    • Program operates on an annual block structure, with openings on June 1 each year.
    • Two groups based on service territories: Group A (Ameren, MidAmerican, rural coop in MISO) and Group B (ComEd, rural coop in PJM).
    • Initial capacity allocations specified for 2023-2024 by project type across both groups.

    Closing and Waitlist Procedures

    • A 'soft close' occurs when a block's capacity is fully allocated, prompted by significant application submissions.
    • Projects will receive available REC pricing based on block capacity at the time of application submission.
    • Closed blocks will establish pricing associated with the group/category upon waitlisting.

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    Related Documents

    Illinois Shines Program Guidebook PDF (August 3, 2023)

    Description

    A comprehensive guide to the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program, including its updated version released on August 3, 2023.

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