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Home Repairs and Upgrades: Preparing Your Home for Solar

Many Illinois homeowners require roof or electrical repairs before installing solar panels. The Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative, offered through the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program, connects residents with funding opportunities to prepare their homes for solar installation. This initiative helps homeowners access clean, renewable energy while maintaining safe, sustainable living spaces.

How It Works

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility To participate in the initiative, you must qualify for the Residential Solar sub-program and demonstrate that your home needs repairs or upgrades for solar readiness.
  2. Explore Funding Opportunities We provide a curated list of external funding sources, such as grants, loans, and nonprofit assistance programs, to help cover the costs of necessary repairs or upgrades.
  3. Get Help Applying for Funding Once you identify a funding opportunity, the ILSFA team will guide you through the application process. Once repairs are completed, you can proceed with the solar installation by contacting your ILSFA Approved Vendor.
  4. Access Support from an Approved Vendor If no external funding is available, the ILSFA team will connect you with an Approved Vendor offering home repairs and upgrades. The vendor will assess your home, complete the necessary repairs, and manage the solar installation.

Who Can Participate in the Home Repairs and Upgrades Initiative?

  • Eligible Property Owners: Homeowners of single-family homes or small (1–4 unit) multifamily properties that are owner-occupied.
  • Repair Requirements: Homes needing roof or electrical repairs/upgrades to be eligible for solar installation.
  • Approved Repairs List: Only repairs aligned with the ILSFA’s approved list of eligible upgrades will be considered for funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do repairs and upgrades cost?

The cost of repairs and upgrades depends on the funding opportunities available. ILSFA helps participants explore external funding sources to offset or cover the cost. These may include:

  • Grants
  • Low-interest or forgivable loans
  • City, state, or nonprofit home repair programs

If no external funding sources are available, ILSFA may offer incentives through Approved Vendors to cover the costs of repairs and upgrades.

What types of repairs or upgrades are covered?

  • Electrical Repairs:
    • Main Service Panel Replacement or Upgrade
    • Meter and Riser Replacement or Upgrade
    • Main Service Panel Grounding and Water Grounding (100/200 amps)
  • Roof Repairs:
    • Solar-related roof work
    • Full roof replacement
    • Sister rafters for structural support
  • Associated Fees:
    • Permitting and related application costs

If I receive home repairs, am I required to install solar panels?

Yes, all repairs and upgrades must be completed to prepare your home for solar panel installation.

Who performs the repairs?

  • External Funding Repairs: Repairs will be completed by contractors associated with the external funding programs.
  • Approved Vendor Repairs: Licensed, certified, bonded, and insured electricians and contractors, selected through ILSFA Approved Vendors, will perform the repairs.

How do I get started?

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that you qualify for the Residential Solar sub-program and evaluate your home’s repair needs.
  2. Explore Funding Opportunities: Download the External Funding List to explore funding resources in your area.
  3. Get Personalized Support: Contact SOL POWER at (312) 978-7107 to discuss your repair needs and receive support for applications or vendor connections.

Through the Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative, SOL POWER and ILSFA are working together to overcome barriers to solar installation. Let us help you prepare your home for clean, renewable energy and bring the benefits of solar power to your community.

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