Electricity Bill Before Solar

Supply: 800kWh x $0.10 - $80
Delivery: $45
Fees: $8
Total: $133

Electricity Bill With Solar

Supply: 800kWh x $0.10 - $80
Community Solar Credit: 600kWh x $0.10
Total supply: $20
Monthly Subscription Cost: $30
Delivery: $45
Fees: $8

Total: $103

Your monthly solar subscription fee can be no more than 50% of your community solar credit. Some solar providers offer no-cost subscriptions. You can use the standard disclosure forms from Approved Vendors to compare community solar offers. The savings example is based on average electricity supply rates.

Individual savings will vary

ILSFA guarantees all qualified Community Solar participants will see savings in the form of credits on their monthly utility electric bill. If your monthly credits are greater than your total electricity supply bill, those credits may roll over to the next month

Common Subscription Options:

Fixed Rate:
With this option, you pay a fixed amount per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the electricity generated by your subscription. For example, if you pay $0.03 per kWh and receive a $0.06 per kWh credit on your bill, you would see savings. This rate may include an annual escalation. Importantly, the subscription must have no upfront costs and must meet the program’s minimum savings requirements.

Percent Savings:
This option guarantees a specific percentage of savings, regardless of changes in energy costs. For instance, with a 50% guaranteed savings, if you pay $0.03 per kWh for community solar while receiving $0.06 per kWh in bill credits, your savings are locked in. If your bill credits increase to $0.08 per kWh, your community solar fee would adjust to $0.04 per kWh. Conversely, if credits decrease, your subscription fee will lower accordingly. This agreement also requires no upfront costs and ensures minimum savings.

Example: If your subscription fee is set at 50% of your bill credits and you receive $50 in credits during a billing period, your subscription fee would be $25.

Panel Lease:
Under this option, subscribers lease panels, and the energy those panels produce is credited to their electricity bill. The bill credits will fluctuate seasonally as the system’s energy production changes throughout the year. Like other options, the lease must come with no upfront costs and guarantee minimum savings over the course of a year.

Before signing a contract, Approved Vendors are required to provide standard disclosure forms that detail exactly how much you’ll pay and offer estimates of your expected savings.

These forms allow you to compare offers from different Approved Vendors, helping you make an informed decision. The program guarantees savings and includes a 3-day cancellation period after the contract is signed. Additionally, you have the flexibility to cancel your subscription at any time with a 30-day notice.

The contract terms will typically remain the same, though your subscription size may adjust based on any expected changes in your household’s electricity usage.

If you’re moving outside the utility territory, you have the option to cancel or transfer your subscription to another household. It’s important to review the terms in the standard disclosure form to understand the conditions for transferring the subscription, as well as any costs or terms associated with the move.