Solar Energy Portal

The Village of Hawthorn Woods is currently participating in the SolSmart program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, which helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy growth and make it easier for homes and businesses to go solar. View the Village’s Solar Statement.

Permit Information

Fee

Residential Permit Cost = $400 flat fee – includes plan review and rough/final inspections.
Commercial Permit Cost = Project Specific – contact Building Division at (847) 438-5500.

Permitting Steps

1. Submit building permit application and Contractor’s Registration

a. Residential Permit Application
b. Commercial Permit Application
c. Contractor’s Registration

2. Site plan
3. Electrical diagram
4. Specification sheets and installation manuals  

*For more information please see the Solar Permit Guidelines.

Note a 10-day plan review turnaround time is the Village’s goal, but cannot always be accommodated due to workload.

Solar Resources

Village Initiatives

Greenest Region Compact 2 Framework
Village Resolution endorsing Greenest Region Compact 2
Village Ordinance No. 1791-17 Amending the Village Code - Title 9, Chapter 18 - Solar Energy Systems

Informational Resources

Grow Solar Local Government Solar Toolkit
Homeowners’ Solar Rights Act
Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems
US Department of Energy – State & Local Energy Data
DSIRE – Database of energy-related policies and incentive in Illinois

Consumer Protection Resources

Going Solar In America
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Solar Energy Industries Association – Solar Customer Resource Portal
Solar Energy Industries Association – Consumer Protection Industry Resource Portal
Solar Energy Industries Association – Guide to Land Leases for Solar
Illinois Solar Energy Association – Consumer Protection Business Code of Conduct
The Solar Foundation – Leasing Municipal & Private Property for Solar: Key Steps & Considerations