header-bg
ILSFA
Community Solar Solar for Income-Eligible Households

Community Solar allows income-eligible homeowners and renters to benefit from solar savings without having to install panels on their property. This is a state program in which residents subscribe to a community solar project in their utility area, built by qualified companies called Approved Vendors. Participants are guaranteed to see savings on their energy bills with the ILSFA community solar program.

Slide
Subscribe & Save

Solar systems are pre-installed on large buildings, open land, or solar farms. The systems are managed by the developers or community solar providers. You simply subscribe to the program if you qualify and start saving money right away!

ARC is an Approved Vendor
Slide
RECs

Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bill based on their share of electricity generated from the community solar project. These credits are applied directly to their monthly bill, leading to significant savings without the need for solar panel installation on their property.

Slide
You'll See Savings

As a state program initiative, the ILSFA program guarantees savings for income-eligible participants by providing access to solar energy without upfront costs. This program not only helps households lower energy costs but also promotes the use of renewable energy, contributing to Illinois' clean energy goals while supporting low-income communities.

Who is Eligible for ILSFA Community Solar?

Renters

Homeowners

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY IN SECONDS
Slide
Solar Subscription Benefits with ILSFA
Simple Process

• Easy to Subscribe
• Guaranteed savings on electric bills
• Ability to reduce electricity costs without solar install

Community Impact

• Reduces impact of climate change in your community
• Helps Illinois reach its renewable energy goals

Community Solar - FAQs
Community Solar FAQs
The breakdown below should give you an example of how ILSFA can help lower your electricity bills monthly with a Community Solar Subscription.

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.

Your subscription timeline will vary based on the approved vendor. They will be able to provide you with a more precise schedule.
Your community solar project operates within your utility’s coverage area, and the exact location of the facility will be provided to you before enrollment.
ILSFA upholds strict requirements for Approved Vendors to ensure a transparent, safe, and positive experience for all participants.

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.

You can usually keep your subscription when moving within the same utility territory (e.g., from one home with an Ameren bill to another).

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.

Residents who are not eligible for ILSFA may still be able to subscribe to a Community Solar project through Illinois Shines, another state solar program.
Would you like more information about community solar?
Name
Name
First
Last
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country
Start Over
LOCATIONS
  • MO - 201 Hughes Lane, St. Charles, MO 63301
  • IL - 219 E Gate Plaza, East Alton, IL 62024
  • KS - 8101 College Blvd., Suite 100. Overland Park, KS 66210
RESOURCES
POLICY
CAREERS