Solar Bridge Loans

Interim Financing for Projects Awaiting Tax Credits and/or State Incentives

Program Overview

  • Solar bridge loans provide short-term financing to cover the period between funding a solar project and receiving federal tax credits (including elective pay), renewable energy credits (RECs), or other financial incentives. These loans help ensure that solar providers and customers can move forward with projects without waiting for tax credits, U.S. Treasury payments, Illinois Solar for All incentives, Illinois Shines incentives, or utility payments.
  • The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund provides flexible financing solutions to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in Illinois. The program offers Bridge Loans to cover gaps between project completion and disbursement of federal or state incentives and Co-Lending/Participation Loans to support longer-term project financing. The fund is administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) and capitalized through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Bridge Loans offer interim financing for entities awaiting Direct Pay tax credits, Investment Tax Credits (ITC), or incentives through Illinois Solar for All. These short-term loans allow projects to move forward without financial delay.
  • Eligible projects must be commercial buildings, including multifamily buildings with five or more units located in Illinois, that have undergone a qualified energy audit.
  • For full program details, summary loan terms, and eligibility requirements, refer to the EE RLF Initial Bridge Loan Strategy.

How to Apply

Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) Pre-Applications are now open.

Apply here

Additional Resources

On February 19, 2025, the Illinois Finance Authority hosted its first Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) webinar. Materials from the webinar can be found below: