The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty(CSES) program offers grants to community groups, towns, and service providers to help with the early planning stages of community solar projects. These projects focus on local ownership and giving communities more control over their energy.
Total Funding: $8.5 million each year (depending on state budget)
Award Amounts: $50,000 - $1,000,000
Who Can Apply:
- Community-based Organizations (CBOs), as defined by the
National Community-based Organization Network
- Municipalities in areas where there is no CBO able to run a community solar project
- Technical Service Providers working with a CBO partner
What the Grant Covers:
- Funding supports project planning and other steps before construction begins. This can include interconnection fees, developing solar project models, permits and zoning, hiring professional services, land lease or purchase, and project site control.
Project Focus:
- Funds are for community solar projects in Illinois. Priority goes to projects built in or benefiting
Equity Investment Eligible Communities.
The 2025 grant round is currently open and accepting applications until December 31, 2025.
Application materials are available on the CSES Notice of Funding Opportunity page on the DCEO site.
