A group of prominent solar organizations have come together to form Solar Powers Illinois with a goal to shine a light on the progress of the clean energy industry in the state. The coalition is composed of the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA).

The partnership aims to highlight the benefits of the Illinois solar industry and educates all Illinoisans on the value of solar energy, building on the momentum of landmark state and federal legislation to help inform employers, workers, residents, schools, organizations, businesses and elected officials about the many opportunities and benefits solar provides.

“The launch of Solar Powers Illinois reflects the growing importance of solar energy in helping our state and nation meet aggressive climate goals, create family-supporting jobs and reduce consumer power costs in the face of inflation,” said Lesley McCain, executive director of ISEA. “With record investments being made in solar thanks to laws such as the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there has never been a better time to explore how solar can power our world.”

Today, Illinois has more than 64,000 installations creating a combined 2.2 GW of installed solar capacity, enough to power nearly 350,000 homes. Total capacity is projected to grow by nearly 7 GW in the next five years, according to SEIA.

“Illinois has established itself as a national leader in solar, and it is time that more people knew about it,” said Markus Pitchford, Central Regional Director for SEIA. “Solar Powers Illinois will spread the word about the exciting progress the industry has already made, and will continue to make, in our state, and help build momentum for a brighter future.”

As Illinois’s solar capacity has grown, prices have fallen, making solar more accessible to all. Provisions in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act make it even more affordable to go solar through tax benefits and reimbursement programs.

Today, more than 5,600 Illinoisans work in the solar industry across 341 solar companies. More people are joining the industry every day as workforce and job development programs continue to come online and introduce new workers to the field.

“Illinois is making major strides in ensuring solar is accessible to all families, such as recent investments in community solar installations that serve people who do not have solar panels at home,” said Carlo Cavallaro, Midwest regional director for CCSA. “These meaningful efforts are supporting communities, lowering costs, and mitigating the harmful environmental impact of continued fossil fuel use.”

News item from Solar Powers Illinois