Comments on: Illinois Solar Energy Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

By: Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:50:32 +0000

Very simply, Rob, the rebates have to continue and perhaps a little more federal help. There's a new clean energy bill on the way in Congress right now. That will be help to Illinois. Plus, it would help if Illinois and Chicago would pass a PACE program.

By: ROb

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:33:06 +0000

I am currently a student with the I.B.E.W. and I am learning PV istallation. I am working towards receiving entry level NABCEP certification. I have been part of the unemployed for the last year and a half. I have focused my energies in the renewables markets. It appears to me that the cost of a residential system still remains high in Illinois even after incentives. I understand that Illinois offers net metering, but the buyback rate is low .03 per. kw. Com Ed seems to have control of the situation in the Chicago area. What will have to change in Chicago to create a PV boom?

By: Madeline Sanders

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:16:15 +0000

We have engineers and electricians researching design schemes to determine how much affordable solar energy can be made. High priced products ensure enjoyment by the few, but denial by the masses. Researching the cheapest method of delivery is critical. Every citizen is entitled to the benefit of nature’s cheap energy

By: Dale

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:23:49 +0000

This technology is severly underutilized due to a weak marketing strategy by everyone involved.
Most people just assume solar energy is cost prohibitive and only has evironmental value. John and Jane Doe care about the environment, but don’t ask them for a $15-50k (after rebate) donation. With the exception of the “Off-Grid” abodes, I only see Solar Energy adds profiling fine homes, so it must be only for the rich or the different. (No offense different folks).
I’m curious why manufacturers in this industry (Panels, Inverters, etc…) have not invested in a partnership with local colleges to establish professional (Certified) Solar Energy and Solar Thermal Installer training sites in every area.
Illinois, an incentive is only an incentive if you fund it.
K, sry for the rant, but I’m going to have to travel a long distance from Southern Illinois to get the expensive certification training I need to sell this idea (figuratively and literally).

By: James Sanchez

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:08:26 +0000

Solar Energy International in Colorado has a hands-on as well as an on-line component. It’s not cheap.
I will have to say that taking a 1 or 2 day class can set you up to learn the basics.
There is no substitute for a Certified Professional in this or any field.
There are codes and trade specific information that a seasoned veteran will, in the long run, save a lot of time expense and headaches.
Youtube has a couple of “self proclaimed” experts that show you exactly how to install something that will get you in serious trouble down the road.
The groups that give you these 1 or 2 day “workshops”, give you enough info to go to the next, “advanced workshop”.
For a homeowner looking to put up a system and get some knowledge of what’s being put on their roof, that’s o.k.
For someone to do this as a vocation, get some serious training.
Remember, this is electrical work, this can start fires and endanger lives if installed improperly.

By: Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:21:32 +0000

Kurt,

As far as we’ve been able to tell, there is no more funding for Illinois solar rebate right now. Please yell at Blago’s successors and see official announcement.

http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/01-RERP.htm

By: kurt

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:30:15 +0000

Has Illinois approved the rebate for solar installations yet. As of mid August it had not yet been released.
Thank you

By: Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:37:04 +0000

Mike,

Solar does not improve as radically as computer chips. There will certainly be improvements, but, for example, we’ve improved solar efficiency from about 8% in the 1970’s to now around 18%. (By efficiency, I mean that 18% of the sunlight that hits solar panels gets converted into electricity.) So, technology has doubled in 40 years, not every 5 years or whatever. Bottom line, if you size your system correctly, you’ll be way ahead of the game financially as well as for the planet. If you keep waiting, it will improve, but not dramatically, and meanwhile, you’ll have lost all of these financial and environmental gains. Hope that answers your question.

By: Mike

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:38:51 +0000

One question I have not seen the answer to anywhere has to do with system improvements and obsolescence. I imagine that after 20 years we will be several generations of improvements along in the solar technology, yet you will be stuck with an obsolete system. Even if you lease the system, which is now being offered, there would be removal and installation costs to put the new and improved product in.

By: Carter

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:21:15 +0000

Nelly, this is the only large-scale place, it’s in WI:

http://www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php

They are doing some workshops in IL, and the ISEA is moving in this direction, but for now you will need to head north.