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Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability traditionally applied to forestry, defined by the practice of continually renewing a resource. However, the term has come to be understood as in a more universal sense of the ability to continuously exist, or sustain life. The incorporation of sustainable practices or programs focus around three core pillars;  economic, social, and environmental. Consideration of these pillars when making decisions is a key value of sustainability. DuPage County has worked to support sustainable practices and programs internally as well as externally. 

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

There are many makes and models of electric vehicles and even plug-in hybrids that run partially on electricity.  The U.S. Dept. of Energy has developed many tools to provide answers to the many questions you might have. The tools can provide you with accurate and local information on emissions and mpg.

Comparison Tools

There is a lot of information out there on electric vehicles with some being false. U.S. EPA developed an Electric Vehicle Myths page to debunk the misinformation. 

Toolkits for an EV Purchase

There are multiple factors to consider when purchasing an EV, so below are toolkits that can provide more information when making a decision. If you already purchased an EV then make sure to register it with your utility such as ComEd to help them assess your electric service needs.

Incentives

For a limited time, the State of Illinois is offering incentives in addition to the Federal Tax Credit.  Make sure you check BOTH to see if your purchase qualifies. 

EV Charging Stations

Charging an electric vehicle at home is easy, but the getting a charging station installed can come with a few extra steps. Which is why DuPage County put together the video below going over over residential charging station options and what to do once you determine which station is right for you.

It may be helpful to review different electric rate programs.  If you're charging at night you might benefit from time-of-day or hourly pricing as opposed to fixed-rate pricing.

Charging Station Locations:

Incentives 

For Communities - EV Ready

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus launched a program to help communities assess their capacity for electric vehicles. They provide assessment tools and make recommendations on how a community can become "EV Ready". In 2023 DuPage County made a commitment to EV readiness that can be seen in our letter of commitment to earn a EV Ready designation.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Join the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA),  Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) and DuPage County for the Grow Geo Chicagoland program. This is a group purchasing opportunity where the more people that participate the greater the discount will be for everyone. Register for a virtual or in-person Geothermal Power Hour to learn the efficiencies of geothermal heat pumps and if you're interested, sign up for a free site assessment.   

PACE - Property Assessed Clean Energy

Property Assessed Clean Energy financing is an innovative tool that provides low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation projects in commercial buildings. Commercial property owners can obtain 100 percent upfront financing from private capital providers for up to 30 years for improvements such as HVAC, lighting and solar photovoltaic systems in both existing building and new construction projects. Funding is secured by a special assessment lien on the property and is repaid as a line item on the property tax bill. Read a summary of C-PACE, or learn about the first C-PACE financing project in DuPage County. 

Key Benefits:

  • No money out of pocket:  100 percent financing including hard and soft costs.
  • Long-term, fixed interest rate financing (up to 30 years) resulting in lower annual payments.
  • In many cases, cash flow positive within the first year.
  • Property owner may pass through C-PACE Assessment to tenants (if allowed by lease)
  • Potential for off-balance sheet treatment per an accountant.
  • Reduces capital expenditure budget - upgrades paid through operational savings.
  • Eligible measures cover broad capital and facility improvement needs.
  • Extends building lifespan while improving comfort.
  • C-PACE assessment transfers upon sale to the next property owner ("runs with the land")

To view a video about C-PACE visit Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce's session at 39.58 minutes

Helpful Resources:

News Releases:

Case Studies

Additional Incentives and Offerings

DuPage County's C-PACE program is being administered by the Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP (IECA), an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Visit the IECA website for more information about C-PACE or to submit a pre-application. For a wide range of case studies and information on PACE programs throughout the U.S., visit PACENation.

Solar

The Future Energy Jobs Act (Senate Bill 2814) was signed into law on December 7, 2016 and was significant as it placed emphasis on renewable development and energy efficiency in Illinois.  The Act is anticipated to result in an investment of approximately $180 million per year in funding for renewable resources, including new wind power, large-scale solar power, and rooftop and community solar. DuPage County has been working to support solar installations.  See the County's Solar Statement.

Solar Switch Chicagoland

DuPage County is participating in the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) Solar Switch, a residential and commercial group purchasing opportunity. In this program a reverse-auction is held with qualified installers and the best price wins the auction. To learn more, visit solarswitch.com.  

Solar Permitting

To obtain a permit for solar installation in unincorporated DuPage County, applicants must submit the required building permit application. Information on applying for a permit can be found on the Building Division webpage.

  • Residential Solar System Informational Brochure
  • Residential Solar Energy systems Informational Sheet

Homeowner's Guide to Going Solar

Check out the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar for an all-in-one resource as you begin to think about solar on your home.

solar_infograph

Installing Solar on your Home

FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

  1. Educate yourself on solar system options.
  2. Conduct a site assessment to determine if solar is a viable option for your home.
  3. After you've determined that your home is suitable for solar, hire a certified installer or visit Power Forward DuPage.
  4. Review the DuPage County Residential Solar Brochure.
  5. Install your chosen system.  Review the DuPage County Building Division Permitting website.
  6. Explore financing your new solar project.

Solar Mapping Tools

Want to get a rough idea about your home’s solar potential? Visit Google’s Project Sunroof!

Looking for a more detailed snapshot of solar on your rooftop? Input potential system info and review the economics of a solar project at your residence using the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL) PV Watts calculator.

Residential Installation Resources

Commercial Installation Resources

Recycling

Once a solar panel reaches the end of its useful life it can sometimes be unclear as to what the next steps are. See below for helpful resources on the regulations, management, recycling, and other questions when it time to dispose of your solar panels:

Solar Consumer Protection

Many organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA), and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have created documents dedicated to consumer rights and protection specifically addressing solar development. The resources below offer guidance on what rights you possess as a consumer, but do not replace legal counsel. For a list of legal representatives in the State of Illinois under the Illinois State Bar Association, click here.

Resources

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