Expanding Solar Market Participation and Consumer Confidence: Two Award-Winning Programs by the Illinois Power Agency

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is working to build a solar market that is diverse, inclusive, and low risk. IPA’s solar initiatives were recently recognized with two State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards based on their leadership, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and replicability. In this CESA webinar, speakers from IPA will present their award-winning programs.  

The Illinois Shines Mentorship Program provides training and networking support to help new and underrepresented businesses participate in the state administered solar incentive program. Participants are taught Illinois Shines program requirements and application procedures, coupled with the guidance, industry knowledge, and connections needed to succeed long-term in the clean energy sector. Mentees have energized 180 solar projects following their participation in the program. According to the judges: “The Illinois Shines Mentorship Program is so replicable, so low-cost, and so high impact. Every state should be doing this.” 

IPA’s Solar Consumer Protection Initiatives work to prevent and redress financial harm to solar program participants. The first initiative, called the Solar Restitution Program (SRP), compensates customers who have experienced economic harm from solar vendors in the program. The second initiative, called the Escrow Process, is designed to prevent financial harm. If a vendor fails to make promised incentive payments to customers, future payments may be routed through a third-party escrow agent to ensure that customers receive their promised payments. According to the judges: “Strong consumer protections are essential to ongoing public support for solar. The IPA’s Consumer Protection Initiatives creatively and successfully address specific consumer issues.” 

Webinar speakers:  

• Olivia Matthews, Illinois Shines Program Associate III, IPA 
• Rachel Granneman, Deputy Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection, IPA 
• Amanda Sen, Project Director, Clean Energy States Alliance (moderator)