Alternative Energy is all the rage after the State of the Union speech given by President Bush. If you live in Illinois, you should know there are already rebate programs available.

How To Get A Rebate for Using Alternative Energy in Illinois

Rebates for using alternative energy platforms are handled under the Renewable Energy Resources Program. The program is designed to motivate Illinois residents to use alternative energy by providing financial incentives in the form of rebates for those that modify their energy use.

The Renewable Energy Resources Program has been around for awhile, but new regulations went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the regulations, rebates for going solar may now be as high as $10,000 for eligible solar thermal systems and up to 30 percent of the cost of solar panel systems. These new rebates, however, have a finite life span. You must apply for either or both of them by April 30, 2006.

To get in on these healthy rebates, there are a few requirements you must meet. First of all, you must be eligible. Eligible parties included individuals, businesses, schools, non-profits, and institutions of higher learning. You must also be a customer of utility company, meaning you can not be an off-grid energy residence or structure since the rebates are designed to move utility customers to non-utility energy sources.

Solar panels systems are typically used to produce electricity. If you are going with a solar panel system, the requirements are very simple. The system must be approved by Underwriters Laboratories, a fairly common certification throughout the solar industry. The system must also have a rated capacity of 800 watts for production.

Solar-thermal systems are used to produce heat, often in the form of hot water. If you are going with a solar thermal system for your alternative energy needs, it must be approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or similar certification. The system must produce at least 50,000 BTUs a day or have at least 60 square feet of collectors. Put in simple terms, you need to have roughly a system measuring 8 x 8 feet. If you are using the system for a pool, you only get the rebate if the pool is available to the public for regular use.

While President Bush surprised many by highlighting alternative energy platforms in his recent speech. Alas, Illinois was already heading down that road.