The Illinois Power Agency's (IPA) program, Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA), has won a grand prize in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) American-Made 2023 Sunny Awards. The Sunny Awards recognize solar projects expanding access for limited- and middle-income households. As a winner, the ILSFA demonstrates a viable model for similar initiatives nationwide.
The ILSFA's win recognizes its work in providing clean energy access to communities that typically face obstacles to participation. The agency won by applying best practices like no upfront fees for eligible subscribers, income restrictions for residential houses, and encouraging local ownership of solar facilities as stated in Illinois Power Agency.
The ILSFA also fosters job opportunities for those experiencing societal barriers. The agency encourages those with records, environmental justice residents, income-eligible communities, and foster care alumni to participate in its endorsed job training programs.
According to Jennifer Schmidt, the ILSFA Senior Program Manager, the program's achievements are a testament to the dedication of many individuals and organizations. Since the program launched in 2019, recognition of the ILSFA's efforts brought about 29 MW of new solar capacity, over $79 million in incentives, and initiated the shift toward more diverse project demographics in accord with Illinois Power Agency
