Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Promoting Solar Energy Through Education and Advocacy
Founded in 1975, the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has dedicated over five decades to advancing renewable energy through education and advocacy. As a trusted state resource, we represent 500+ business and individual members, providing critical policy development, educational programs, and access to local renewable energy businesses. Our dual 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit structure enables comprehensive advocacy for solar and storage industries while maintaining public education as our core mission. Affiliated with national organizations like SEIA and ASES, we combine grassroots engagement with technical expertise to shape Illinois' clean energy future.Through monthly webinars, community solar initiatives, and workforce development programs, we empower residents and businesses to adopt sustainable energy solutions. Our leadership in policy reforms, including net metering and homeowner solar rights legislation, demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers for renewable energy adoption. With a track record of successful legislative campaigns and educational outreach, we remain Illinois' premier authority on solar energy advancements.
Services
Solar Education Programs
Policy Advocacy
Installer Directories
Community Solar Resources
Renewable Energy Credits
Net Metering Guidance
Workforce Development
Consumer Protection
Solar Ambassador Program
Legislative Updates
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have 50+ years of experience advancing renewable energy in Illinois
- Our team includes certified solar professionals and policy experts
- We maintain partnerships with national solar industry leaders
- Our educational programs serve 500+ member organizations
- We pioneered state-level solar policy reforms and consumer protections
Associations and certifications
- SEIA
- ASES
Services
Solar Education Programs
Our comprehensive educational initiatives provide Illinois residents with technical knowledge about solar energy systems, installation processes, and maintenance requirements. Through monthly webinars, in-person workshops, and online resources, we deliver critical information about solar technology advancements, system sizing considerations, and financial incentives available to Illinois residents. Our programs also cover emerging topics like solar+storage integration and grid interconnection requirements.
Policy Advocacy
We actively shape Illinois' renewable energy landscape through legislative engagement and regulatory policy development. Our team works with state officials to create favorable frameworks for solar adoption, including net metering reforms, interconnection standards, and tax incentive programs. We represent industry interests in regulatory proceedings and provide members with policy analysis and advocacy tools to support local solar initiatives.
Installer Directories
Our verified directories connect Illinois residents with qualified solar professionals across residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors. The listings include certified installers, system designers, and equipment suppliers who adhere to industry best practices. We maintain quality standards through membership requirements and consumer protection guidelines for participating businesses.
Community Solar Resources
We provide comprehensive guidance for developing and participating in community solar projects across Illinois. Our resources include project development templates, subscription comparison tools, and regulatory compliance information. We help municipalities, cooperatives, and developers navigate the implementation process while ensuring equitable access for all Illinois residents.
Workforce Development
Our workforce programs prepare Illinois residents for careers in the solar industry through training partnerships, apprenticeship programs, and continuing education opportunities. We collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners to develop curriculum standards, certification pathways, and job placement services that meet evolving industry needs.
People
Lesley McCain
Executive Director
Executive Director with extensive solar industry experience, previously serving on the ISEA board and working with Community Energy Inc. Leads statewide renewable energy initiatives and policy development efforts.
Nicola Brown
Program Manager
Program Manager with nonprofit communications expertise, focused on renewable energy education and outreach. Graduated from University of Chicago with English Literature degree and passionate about sustainable energy solutions.
Lewis Butler
Board President
Board President and Senior Account Executive at TotalEnergies with economics degrees. Leads state-level renewable policy discussions and serves on multiple solar industry advisory boards.
Shannon Fulton
Vice President
Vice President of Development at StraightUp Solar with geology expertise. Former ISEA Board President and licensed professional geologist with focus on strategic industry partnerships.
Brian Haug
Treasurer
President of Continental Energy Solutions with electrical engineering background. Licensed Professional Engineer managing commercial solar projects and serving on ISEA board for 10+ years.
Questions
What services does ISEA provide for homeowners interested in solar energy?
ISEA offers solar education resources, installation guidance, net metering information, and a directory of certified installers to help Illinois homeowners adopt solar energy.
How does ISEA support solar professionals in Illinois?
We provide policy updates, regulatory guidance, workforce development programs, and networking opportunities for solar industry professionals through webinars and events.
What consumer protection measures does ISEA implement?
ISEA enforces a professional code of conduct for member businesses and provides educational resources to help consumers make informed solar purchasing decisions.
How can I participate in community solar projects through ISEA?
We offer project directories, subscription guidance, and educational materials to help Illinois residents access community solar benefits without rooftop installation.
What policy initiatives is ISEA currently advocating for?
Our advocacy focuses on expanding net metering access, improving solar financing options, and strengthening consumer protections for Illinois solar customers.
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