Electric cooperatives are among the leading utilities in supporting clean, renewable energy sources. In addition to proven resources such as hydro power and methane gas recovery, co-ops have supported research in cost-effective wind turbines, solar energy and biomass. Today co-ops own many renewable energy production facilities across the country and purchase energy produced from renewable resources.

Renewable Energy Grants

RECC members are eligible for state renewable energy grants for small wind and solar systems, available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Under the Illinois Solar Thermal Grant Program, residents, businesses and organizations can receive up to 30 percent of the cost of solar space and water heating systems, subject to funding availability.
Under the Small Wind Grant Program, DCEO has provided rebates for consumer wind energy systems. Since 2016, no funding has been available for this program.

Small wind and solar systems are also eligible for the federal income tax credit of 30 percent of the installed cost.This is a credit that you subtract from the taxes you owe, notjust a deduction! The credit is scheduled to be avaialble through the year 2016.

“Gob Nob” Wind Turbine Project

Our Board of Directors recently made a huge commitment to clean, renewable wind energy through the purchase of a large wind turbine that was installed near Farmersville. Drivers on Interstate 55 south of Springfield will see a 900-kilowatt wind turbine spinning atop a 60-foot hill just off Exit 72, feeding power to about 380 RECC members’ homes and farms.

For more information on the Gob Nob project, click here.