The Bright Neighborhoods initiative provides income-eligible residents in select Illinois communities, including some of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion micropolitan area, with the opportunity to access affordable on-site solar panels. This initiative is only available for enrollment until April 2025 and offers residents a streamlined process and guaranteed savings on their electric bills.
HOW IT WORKS
1
Homeowners sign up for Bright Neighborhoods to confirm income and site eligibility for on-site solar through the initiative.
2
The ILSFA program connects homeowners with their community’s qualified and selected solar company, called an Approved Vendor.
3
The Approved Vendor and homeowner work together to plan and install solar panels on the homeowner's property.
4
Participants are guaranteed savings on their electric bills!
Who Can Participate in Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods?
Owners of single-family homes or 2-to-4 unit multifamily buildings in the following communities:
- Chicago West Side neighborhoods: Austin, Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, or South Lawndale
- Waukegan
- Carbondale-Marion micropolitan area including Jackson, Johnson, and Williamson counties
Must have an income of 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Landlords can apply for single-family homes they own if tenants are income-eligible.
Benefits of Participating in Bright Neighborhoods
Savings
- No upfront costs
- Affordable solar installations
- Guaranteed savings on electric bills
Community Impact
- Positively impacts the environment
- Reduces the impact of climate change on your community
Frequently Asked Questions – Bright Neighborhoods
ILSFA guarantees that all qualified participants will see savings on their energy bills. The graphic below is an example of how ILSFA can help you lower your electricity bills.
Before Solar
Supply 600kWh x $0.12/kWh
Total Supply Costs: $72
After Solar
Supply 600kWh x $0.12/kWh$72
Solar Energy Generated 500kWh x $0.12/kWh$60
Total Supply Costs: $12
The savings example is based on average retail electricity rates. This example does not include taxes, delivery costs, or other charges on your electricity bill unrelated to energy supply. Individual savings will vary.
Once your panels are installed, you’ll use electricity generated by your solar installation, which means you will pay less on your electric bills. While individual savings will vary, the Bright Neighborhoods initiative guarantees that participants will see overall savings with solar. Participants in Bright Neighborhoods will also have no upfront costs.
You’ll be using electricity generated from your solar installation, so you pay less on your bills. In some cases, if you generate more electricity than you use, it is sent back to the grid, and you receive a bill credit for it. Not only does installing residential solar help you save money on electricity, but it also creates an opportunity for you and your family to make a positive environmental impact in your community.
ILSFA has robust consumer protection requirements for Approved Vendors to ensure a transparent, safe, and positive experience for every participant. ILSFA is a state-funded solar incentive program implemented by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), an independent state agency for the State of Illinois.
Approved Vendors must present a standard disclosure form before you sign a contract or any work can begin. Disclosure forms provide important information on exactly how much you will pay and estimates of how much you will save. You can even use the disclosure forms to compare offers from different Approved Vendors. The ILSFA program guarantees savings and has a 14-day cancellation period without penalties.
After signing up for Bright Neighborhoods, you will work with the ILSFA program team to verify your income and confirm your eligibility to participate. If you are income-eligible and your home’s roof and electrical are likely suitable, the ILSFA team will connect you with your community’s Approved Vendor, who will conduct a site suitability assessment to determine if your roof and electrical system can support on-site solar.
Bright Neighborhoods simplifies and streamlines the steps to participate in ILSFA. Outreach and enrollment, including income verification, are completed through ILSFA rather than through the Approved Vendor.
Additionally, ILSFA selects and vets an Approved Vendor for each community. This Approved Vendor handles solar installations for all Bright Neighborhoods participants in that area. With Residential Solar, participants browse a directory of Approved Vendors and select one to work with on their installation.
Bright Neighborhoods is offered in select community areas, which include Chicago West Side neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion micropolitan area. The Residential Solar sub-program is offered to income-eligible residents across the state.
Yes! Residents outside of the Bright Neighborhoods community areas can realize the benefits of solar energy by participating in the Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar or Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar sub-programs. Learn more about our programs for eligible residents.
If you own the system, the lender must allow you the option to re-assign the loan or pay it off early with no pre-payment penalties.
If you have a lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), your Approved Vendor must allow you to either transfer your agreement to the new property owner or buy the system outright and sell it to the new property owner. Participants should review the terms of the standard disclosure form to understand the conditions under which the transfer may be permitted.
Residents who do not qualify for ILSFA may be able to adopt solar energy through Illinois Shines, another state solar incentive program.
Ready to bring solar to your home with Bright Neighborhoods?
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