On January 28, Planning and Development Staff attended a Solar Power Hour at the Champaign County Farm Bureau to learn about solar incentives for residents and businesses in Champaign County. Solar Urbana-Champaign is an exciting opportunity for Champaign County residents and businesses to receive significant discounts on the purchase and installation of solar panels. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has partnered with the City of Urbana and Straight Up Solar to organize a group bulk purchase of solar panels for Champaign County residents.
This program can save residents between 15% and 20% on the purchase and installation of solar panels. The cost of panels and installation vary based on a number of factors such as roof type, hours of sunlight per day, roof orientation, energy use, type of solar panels and other equipment selected, etc. For the average home in Illinois, the estimated cost for panels and installation is between $10,000 and $15,000 before tax credits and rebates. Those interested can register for a free site assessment. After receiving a free cost estimate, individuals can decide whether to move forward with the program to purchase and install solar panels. All contracts need to be finalized by May 2, 2016.
For more information about this program and other available incentives for solar, visit Solar Urbana-Champaign’s website for information about upcoming Solar Power Hours at growsolar.org/solar-urbana-champaign.