Solar Urbana-Champaign Virtual Resource Packet

We’ve taken all the resources we go through during our Solar Power Hour and compiled them here so you can take a deeper look into all aspects of solar.

View the Solar Urbana-Champaign program brochure here.

Solar 101 Resources

Presentation Slides are available here. The on-demand video version of the presentation can be found below.
Make sure you are asking all the right questions by reviewing the Citizens Utility Board of Illinois (CUB’s) Guide to Rooftop Solar.
See if your home is good for solar by checking out Google Project Sunroof. This tool is good for a general analysis of your roof’s solar opportunity, but it is not reliable for cost estimates.
Learn more about net metering from Energy Sage, or check out this blog post from StraightUp Solar.

Solar in Illinois

Illinois Power Agency’s informational brochure for residential solar, en Español aqui.
Solar for All – New low income solar program in Illinois
Community Solar – A new Illinois program expanding solar benefits to renters & homes not suitable for solar, learn more at www.SolarInTheCommunity.com
Homeowners Associations can’t block you from going solar in Illinois; view the full text of the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act

Solar Incentives and Financing

Go to the Illinois Shines website to learn more about how the program provides payments in exchange for 15 years of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from a utility contracted to buy the RECs.
Learn about the 2020 26% Federal Tax Credit and find the necessary tax forms for your new system.
Brief video explaining the Federal Tax Credit
Check out solar financing options from the Clean Energy Credit Union, or learn more from Energy Sage.
Questions about your state incentive SRECs? Check out our SREC Contract FAQ.

Pre-Recorded Solar Power Hour

Our Virtual Power Hour presentation will help you understand more about solar technology, the Solar Urbana-Champaign program, and the costs and benefits of going solar. At the end of the virtual presentation you can sign up for a free site assessment.

Part 1 - Introduction

Cassie introduces the Solar Urbana-Champaign program and the program organizers.

Part 2 - How Does Solar Work?

Cassie elaborates on the basics of how solar technology works.

Part 3 - Options and Considerations

Cassie describes some of the options included in a solar buying decision, as well as considerations before going solar, including what makes an ideal site for installing solar.

Part 4 - Costs and Incentives

Cassie and Ky discuss some of the typical costs of solar as well as the available state and federal incentives.

Part 5 - Next Steps

Cassie and Ky review the next steps for going solar. Sign up for a site assessment at the link below the video.

Next step: Sign up for a Free Site Assessment