Small Wind Grant Program

Summary

Note: Funding has been exhausted for this fiscal year. However, this program is expected to continue next fiscal year in some form, pending budget approval. Under the Small Wind Grant Program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provides up to 50% of eligible project costs per project for small wind energy conversion systems. The maximum grant award is $25,000. Applicants must be a customer within the service area of an investor-owned electric or gas utility or a municipal gas or electric utility or electric cooperative that imposes the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge. To qualify for the grant, small wind systems must have a nameplate capacity ranging from 1 to 50 kW mounted on a tower of at least 60 feet in height. Eligible systems must be sited on a parcel of land of 1 acre or greater and be mounted at least 30 feet above any structures or natural features within 300 feet of the installation that may adversely impact the wind resource. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate that the project location is suitable for wind generation by providing documentation such as wind resource maps, airport or weather station data, and typographical maps. Applications under this program will be accepted on an ongoing basis through April 30, 2007, subject to funding availability. Should sufficient funding be available, the DCEO may entertain applications for other types of renewable energy projects such as biogas, fuel cells, and photovoltaics.