Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program

The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program is a grant opportunity provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support the development of community solar projects in Illinois. The program aims to provide upfront capital to support the development of community solar projects and promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. The grant program will prioritize funding for projects that best demonstrate the ability and intent to create community ownership and other local community benefits, including local community wealth building via community renewable generation projects. • The grant program will provide awards ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 per application. • The program will support a wide array of activities to support the development of community solar projects, including planning and feasibility studies, pre-development construction, and community engagement. • Applicants must demonstrate their ability and intent to create community and other local community benefits through their proposed project. • The program will prioritize funding for projects located in and supporting equity investment eligible communities, and benefiting participating low-income households.