Illinois
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation invests in clean energy development and land preservation efforts, working with communities and citizens to improve environmental quality in Illinois. The Foundation supports programs and projects that will improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy resources and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats throughout the state.
The Foundation's Summary of Grants describes opportunities to establish the potential of solar power for meeting future energy needs. It has awarded 74 grants to install solar energy systems. Fifty-nine grants totaling $2.3 million are supporting installation of photvoltaic (PV) systems that total 720 kW of solar generating capacity. One purpose of these PV systems is generating electicity as part of LEED-qualified green buildings, including affordable housing developments, municipal park facilities, museums, college buildings, a court house and other public and nonprofit facilities.