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SREC Consulting

Providing Support and Services for Projects in need

What is a Stranded Customer?

"Stranded Customers" are Illinois solar installation owners whose installer or Approved Vendor has gone out of business, is unable to meet Program requirements, or is suspended as a result of disciplinary action and prohibited from advancing solar projects through the Illinois Shines SREC application process.

What is an Approved Vendor? 

An Approved Vendor works with installers, developers, and sometimes individuals to submit projects for approval into the Illinois Shines program. The associated Approved Vendor will be responsible for submitting applications, collecting meter readings, monitoring SREC creation, and distributing SREC payments.

NEED SUPPORT? WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

Please fill out the form to get in touch with one of our representatives to get started.
The following documents will improve turnaround times.

  • Illinois Shines Disclosure Form
  • Approved Permit Plan Drawings
  • Final Inspection Approval Letter
  • ComEd Certificate of Completion

*If you do not have this information available, that’s okay.  We can assist with organizing all documents needed. 

Supporting services

Supporting solar owners in need with SREC application support, Approved Vendor services, Stranded Customer services, and the Illinois Shines Restitution Program.

Assistance with Distributed Generation Rebates applications for commercial systems.

Technical support for inverters, internet or cellular connection, system monitoring, warranty replacement, and production analysis.

System owners interested in a consultation for adding more solar, batteries, EV chargers, etc.

Service Areas

Supporting residential clients within 30min of our Lake Barrington office

Supporting commercial clients in ComEd territory

FREE SREC STATUS CHECK

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You’ve Got Questions, We Have Answers

FAQ's for Solar Renewable Energy Credits

  • SREC stands for "Solar Renewable Energy Credits" or "Solar Renewable Energy Certificates." Each SREC represents the generation of 1,000 kWh (or 1 MWh) of solar energy produced by your system.
  • SREC programs usually exist in states backed by solar legislation and encourage solar energy adoption to meet legislative goals for the state and the utility. For every 1,000 kWh of solar energy your system generates, you earn 1 SREC, and the IL Shines program and utility companies will pay you for the rights to these credits.
  • SREC values are evaluated annually by the Illinois Shines Program Administrator and renewed June 1st of every program year. The inverter (AC) size of the system dictates the associated SREC block price for your system. The number of SREC’s your system generates is based on its expected production over a 15-year period. Key factors influencing production include the system's size, panel orientation, and shading.
  • Approved Vendors are certified entities approved by the IL Shines Program to process SREC applications, manage contracts with utilities, and report system production. ilumen Consulting is an Approved Vendor with IL Shines and has a proven track record of successfully helping stranded customers claim their SREC incentive payments.
  • Per Illinois Shines program rules, all SREC’s must be processed by an Approved Vendor.
  • To apply for SREC incentives in Illinois, you must be an Approved Vendor under the IL Shines Program. ilumen Consulting, as your Approved Vendor, will submit your SREC incentive application through the IL Shines portal.
  • The SREC agreement lasts 15 years and your system is required to produce for that duration. Smaller systems (25 kW AC) are paid out over 7 years.
  • Yes, SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) are taxable in Illinois. Like most states, Illinois taxes the income from selling SRECs, which is subject to both federal and state taxes. The IRS treats the income as ordinary income, so you'll need to report it on your federal tax return. It's always best to consult a tax professional who is familiar with both federal and state tax laws to ensure you comply with all requirements when selling your SRECs.

FAQ's for Stranded Customers

  • ilumen Consulting can check the status of your application in just a few minutes and let you know if you qualify for SREC incentives.
  • ilumen Consulting can gather most documents from your local authority, ComEd, and the IL Shines program. However, it helps if you provide the following: • Solar installation contract with the previous installer • IL Shines Disclosure Form • Permit Plan Set • Final inspection approval • ComEd Certificate of Completion
  • ilumen Consulting will look up your application status and check if your application was fully processed, mid process, or not applied yet.
  • This would be the best-case scenario and the simplest form of Stranded Customer SREC applications. If we confirm your application wasn’t submitted yet, Ilumen Consulting can take over as the assigned Approved Vendor and process your application.
  • Yes, you can still apply if you haven’t received your payment. If your application isn’t fully processed ilumen Consulting can support the application process as the Approved Vendor.
  • IL Shines is creating a restitution program to help in these cases. This restitution program is set to be implemented later in 2025 and, at that time, ilumen Consulting can help file your complaint and restitution application with IL Shines to recoup the lost funds.
  • Stranded Project Consultation: Initial Consulation Fee is applied to organize and assess necessary project documents, site visit with arial drone photos, re-modeling your system in our design software, and confirming your system's energy production. Approved Vendor Services: ilumen Consulting, as your newly assigned Approved Vendor, applies a small fee for filing the SREC application and reporting energy production over the 15-year contract. This fee is deducted from your SREC payment, not paid upfront.

stranded customer reviews

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andy koziarski
ilumen Consulting Approved Vendor services was able to secure a little over $600k in Illinois SREC and rebate funds for two of our commercial projects that were left behind by our previous installer. We were in a tough spot, and we’re thankful Dan and the team were able to come through in submitting our incentive application to secure our previously promised funds. If any project owners are in a tough spot and need assistance, you’d be in good hands here
View all testimonials

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Let Us Help Reduce Your Energy Costs

At ilumen Solar, we offer comprehensive services to enhance your energy solutions. Our offerings include electrical upgrades to modernize your system, electric vehicle charging installations to prepare your home for EVs, and a variety of battery options to meet your resiliency goals. Additionally, we provide custom solar solutions for both residential and commercial clients, ensuring that your transition to clean energy is seamless and tailored to your needs.
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