For Illinois businesses considering solar, the financial value of a renewable energy project extends beyond reducing monthly electricity costs. Illinois Shines, the state’s Adjustable Block Program, provides an important financial incentive for qualifying solar projects through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs.

For commercial property owners and businesses, understanding this program can be an important first step in determining the true cost—and long-term value—of investing in solar.

What Are Renewable Energy Credits?

A Renewable Energy Credit represents the environmental attributes associated with one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource. Through Illinois Shines, qualifying solar projects can generate financial incentives through the sale of RECs under contracts administered through the program. The value ultimately available to a customer depends on several factors, including project type, system size, location, current REC pricing and the agreement with the project’s Illinois Shines Approved Vendor. In other words, the electricity generated by a commercial solar system isn’t necessarily the project’s only source of financial value.

Look Beyond the Initial Cost of Solar

For businesses evaluating renewable energy infrastructure, one of the most important numbers isn’t simply the price of installing solar. It’s the net investment after available incentives and the value the system can generate over its operating life. Depending on the project and customer, that analysis may include Illinois Shines REC incentives, utility programs, applicable federal tax benefits and long-term reductions in electricity purchased from the grid. Taken together, these opportunities can significantly change the financial analysis of a commercial solar investment.

Hardt Electric helps Chicagoland businesses evaluate renewable energy opportunities as part of a comprehensive energy and electrical infrastructure strategy.

With more than 50 years of electrical contracting experience and more than 20 years working in renewable energy infrastructure, Hardt provides the expertise to take commercial projects from initial evaluation and engineering through installation and commissioning.

Considering solar for your business? Start by understanding the incentives available to your project and how they can affect your total investment.

Hardt Electric’s Commercial & Industrial Energy Resource Guide provides an executive overview of federal tax credits, Illinois incentive programs, utility rebates, energy storage opportunities, and real-world project examples from across Illinois.

Download the guide today to discover how your business can turn energy costs into a long-term strategic asset.

For more than 50 years, Hardt Electric has helped Chicagoland businesses solve complex electrical infrastructure challenges. Hardt Electric helps clients evaluate opportunities, identify incentives, navigate utility requirements, and design energy solutions that maximize long-term financial performance. Because the best energy projects aren’t simply about installing equipment. They’re about transforming energy from an expense into a strategic business asset.

Now is the time to find out what your facility may qualify for. Contact us to get started: solar@hardtelectric.com