Print
Share page with AddThis

2024/04/23 - Mayor's Column: Solar Installation Information

­“AN OPEN DOOR TO O’FALLON”
A WEEKLY NOTE FROM MAYOR HERB ROACH
­­­

On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.  Known as CEJA, one of the main purposes of the act was to incentivize renewable energy development within the State of Illinois.  With the passage of this law, residential solar installations became the most popular choice for homeowners looking to participate in renewable energy projects whereby they could receive tax incentives from both federal and state government. 

This also brought in hundreds of companies to the State of Illinois seeking to fill the demand for solar installations.  To install these systems, companies are required to comply with regulations set by the State of Illinois.  The most important requirement for a solar installation company is having a distributed generation license (DG License) issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission.  The DG License allows a solar company to install a solar system for consumers. Solar companies must also maintain a State of Illinois business license, recertify every year with the Illinois Commerce Commission, ensure every installation is performed by qualified persons and comply with all local municipal requirements.  This includes following all local permitting, licensing, building codes, and solicitation ordinances.  If a solar company does not follow these requirements, they risk losing their license.

In the City of O’Fallon all solar installations require a building permit.  These permits are processed through the Community Development Department and include plan reviews and inspections for your safety.  Companies wishing to apply for a permit must have a valid distributed generation license and a valid State of Illinois business license.  The Community Development Department recommends homeowners check the following if they are looking into adding a solar system to their home:

  • Ask to see their solicitors license if they have contacted you by knocking on your door.  If they do not have a license, they are not complying with state and City of O’Fallon regulations.
  • Ask for the installer’s distributed generation license number issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
  • Verify all parties involved have an active State of Illinois business license.
  • Ask for references for projects completed within the last year.
  • Find out who will be installing the system and ask if the installer is different from the person selling the system. 
  • Try to get more than one bid for the system.   

In 2023, it is estimated that over 800 companies applied for and received a distributed generation license through the State of Illinois.  Through the first quarter of 2024, over 250 new companies have applied for a distributed generation license.  Solar installations are a popular way for homeowners to offset their power bills, but care and due diligence must be taken by homeowners when comparing savings vs expenses and selecting a firm to install your system.  If you are looking into solar and have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the City of O’Fallon Community Development Department.

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open.