Solar Energy Resources                          

                                                                                                    

Getting Started with Solar                            

Welcome to Carol Stream’s solar photovoltaic (PV) energy webpage. Carol Stream supports solar PV energy development in our community. This webpage provides information about the building permitting process for solar PV energy collection systems, the benefits of solar PV energy collection systems, and other useful information.

Solar Installation Permitting

The Village of Carol Stream is committed to providing exceptional customer service in processing building permits, and that includes permits for solar PV energy installations. To promote the continued advancement of solar PV energy installations in our community, we offer the following:

• The Solar Checklist Guidelines for solar permitting and the inspection process.
• The Solar Permit Application for Residential and Commercial Properties.
• Residential Solar PV permits can be applied for online, by mail or in person.
• The permit processing time for residential rooftop solar PV systems is 3 business days. Please note that the permit process does not start until the permit fee and required plans and documents are received.
• Residential Solar PV permit fees have a flat rate of $168.
• Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Unit Residential Solar PV permit fees are $320, plus the Development Services fee ($6.70 per $1,000 of the cost of construction, minimum $50.00). The minimum Solar PV permit fee is $370.00.
• A Rooftop Solar PV Energy System Inspection Checklist is available for review.
• Solar PV system inspections are performed concurrently by a Village Code Professional and an inspector from the Carol Stream Fire Protection District.
  • Inspections must be scheduled with the Village 24 hours in advance.
  • The inspection is initially scheduled for either an AM or PM timeframe.
  • The individual scheduling the inspection must provide their contact information.
  • Prior to the initial inspection timeframe, the Village will contact the individual who scheduled the inspection to confirm the specific inspection time.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy is a renewable energy source which provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Illinois (https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/illinois-solar), saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the US Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Solar Maps and Energy Potential

Investigate your property’s solar energy potential at Project Sunroof by Google. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Interested in Going Solar…?

If you are interested in taking the next step with the installation of a Solar PV system, you may wish to explore the resources below:

• The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, a global certification company, provides a directory of certified Solar PV system contractors.

• Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers

• Consumer Solar Checklist – A checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – Seeks to ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues related to the installation of Solar PV systems.
• Solar Customer Resource Portal – Resources from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
• Solar Owner’s Manual – Information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Solar installations are usually paid for by cash or with loans. Federal and State incentives may be available.

• Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics – Provides information about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions and answers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – Provides information about financing options from the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA).
• Information from Com Ed on local incentives and credits for Solar PV energy at: https://www.comed.com/SmartEnergy/MyGreenPowerConnection/Pages/SolarIncentivesCredits.aspx

Solar Energy Rights

Homeowners' solar rights are set forth in Illinois law. You can read the contents of that law at Illinoissolar.org