Illinois SREC Incentives Are Increasing in 2026 for Homeowners
Posted 1.26.2026
If you’re considering solar in Illinois, 2026 is shaping up to be an especially strong year.
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) has proposed updates to the Illinois Shines program that significantly increase the value of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for eligible customer-owned solar projects during the 2026–27 program year. For many homeowners, this 2026 Illinois SREC increase becomes substantial savings—up to 34–43% higher than the previous year, depending on system size and utility territory.
These changes are expected to be finalized following an Illinois Commerce Commission order anticipated by February 17, 2026, with the new incentive structure taking effect later in the year.
How Much Higher Are Illinois SREC Incentives in 2026?
For eligible customer-owned solar projects in the 2026–27 program year, which runs from June 1 – May 31 annually, the proposed Illinois Shines update introduces a new REC adder that results in significantly higher incentive values compared to the 2025–26 program year.
The approximate percentage increase depends on system size and utility territory:
For solar systems under 10 kW (typical for many homes):
- Ameren Illinois & eligible rural electric cooperatives: 36% increase
- ComEd territory: 34% increase
For solar systems between 10 kW and 25 kW (larger homes):
- Ameren Illinois & eligible rural electric cooperatives: 41% increase
- ComEd territory: 43% increase
Rather than a small incremental change, this represents a one-year boost in incentive value for projects that qualify during the 2026–27 program year.
Who Benefits From the 2026 SREC Increase?
The increased incentive value applies to customer-owned solar projects in Illinois that qualify for the Illinois Shines program, including homeowners installing rooftop of ground-mounted solar arrays up to 25 kW.
The percentage increase varies based on:
- System size
- Utility territory (Ameren Illinois, ComEd, or eligible rural electric cooperatives)
While the incentive structure is set by the Illinois Power Agency, your installer plays a key role in helping you understand how these incentives are applied to your specific project.
Get started on a custom quote from StraightUp Solar.
Why This Matters for Those Considering Solar
SRECs are a key part of Illinois’ solar incentive landscape. When you go solar under Illinois Shines, the renewable attributes (SRECs) produced by your system are sold through the program to help Illinois achieve its clean energy goals and make solar more affordable for homeowners.
With higher SREC incentive values available for the 2026–27 program year, eligible projects may benefit from:
- Increased incentive support
- Improved project economics
- Greater overall savings when combined with other available residential incentives
Because incentive levels and program capacity are tied to specific program years, timing matters. We typically see capacity caps and value step downs over a series of years with programs like this one, meaning the sooner you choose to go solar, the greater potential incentives to lower project costs.
Many homeowners are also pairing solar with storage, and taking advantage of strong battery incentives, to increase energy resilience.
Learn More About Illinois SRECs
SRECs can feel complex—and the rules, timelines, and eligibility details matter. If you’d like a deeper explanation of how Illinois SRECs work, how incentive payments are structured, see our Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) overview.
Why Choose StraightUp Solar?
2026 marks the 20 year anniversary of StraightUp Solar’s founding. We’ve brought 3,200+ solar installations to light for our local neighbors since 2006, and our full time Service Team is here to care for your system long-term.
We work directly with StraightUp Solar REC Solutions, our in-house REC services team, to help customers navigate Illinois Shines incentives with confidence.
Curious What the 2026 Incentive Increase Could Mean for You?
If you’re interested in seeing how higher 2026 SREC incentive values pencil out for your home, the best next step is a custom solar assessment. StraightUp Solar has in-house experts who are well versed in Illinois incentives. Your dedicated project developer will provide a custom quote including: your solar layout, total project costs with eligible incentives factored in, estimated energy bill savings, and more. We believe in clarity and transparency so you can make an informed solar decision.
Ready to walk through your eligibility and options? Reach out today.
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