Solar Thermal Installation


Current solar thermal technology allows us to generate electricity, heat and cool building space and provide hot water using the abundant resources of the sun. Illinois Clean Energy has supported many solar thermal installations, providing clean energy to schools, museums, community centers, public buildings, affordable housing developments, and other facilities.

Please see How to Apply to learn about preparing your Full Proposal and to get the latest information on deadlines.

Application Deadlines:Applications are due March 14, or September 12, 2013.  

Review Process:
2 months. The Foundation evaluates Full Proposals against the funding criteria below. Within two months of the above deadlines, the Foundation's Board of Trustees will award grants to some or all of the applicants. The Board of Trustees announces grants in early May and early November. The Foundation's review process is competitive.

Available Support:Up to $100/square foot of collector area or 60% of the system and its installation costs, whichever is less, inclusive of state funding. The Foundation reserves the right to change funding levels and guidelines.

Restrictions: The project must be wholly owned by an eligible applicant and cannot include ownership by private investors or commercial interests.

Funding Guidelines

Criteria

  • Building must have steady year-round hot water/heating/cooling load
  • Proposal must include plan ensuring current and future facilities staff is trained to operate and maintain the solar thermal system
  • Grantees must monitor system performance and submit annual performance reports for the first three years of operation

Priorities

Eligible applicants from all types of sectors can apply. The Foundation especially encourages the sectors listed below to apply for solar thermal grants:

  • Non-Profit Community Centers providing services on a local geographic or neighborhood basis.
    • Recreation Centers: Organizations ranging from YMCA/YWCA to Boys & Girls Clubs
    • Civic Centers: Generally owned and operated by a local government or municipal corporation and providing a wide array of services ranging from convention to meeting space to performing arts
    • Arts & Cultural Centers and Museums: Organizations providing permanent art and cultural exhibits
    • Youth Service Centers: Organizations providing youth counseling, recreation and other services
    • Fraternal Organizations: Organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks & Lions Clubs and American Legion
    • Ethnic/National Cultural Centers: Organizations dedicated to the service of a particular national, ethnic, or cultural group

  • Non-Profit Community Care Providers
    • Skilled/Intermediate and Long-Term Nursing Care Facilities (including State operated Veterans Homes): Eligible organizations must be licensed and certified long term care facilities providing services including - Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care, Pediatric, Geriatric, Subacute Care, Developmentally Disabled, Assisted Living and Shared Housing
    • Primary Care Community Health Providers (excludes hospitals): Federally Qualified Health Centers and providers of Primary Health Care (i.e., wellness, prevention and management)
    • Special Needs Service Providers: Community facilities serving adults and children with physical, mental, behavioral, developmental and other disabilities

  • Public Safety Providers
    • Fire Stations, Police Stations, and Correctional Facilities

In addition, the Foundation gives priority to solar thermal projects that:

  • have secured all additional funding
  • feature a strong education and outreach component
  • complement the implementation of significant energy efficiency measures at the facility planning to install the solar thermal system
  • use real-time online performance data monitoring