Residential Solar provides residents access to affordable on-site solar panels through our qualified and vetted solar companies called Approved Vendors. This state program also guarantees that participants will see savings on their energy bills.
HOW IT WORKS
1
Homeowners or multifamily building owners determine their eligibility for on-site solar installations.
2
The program helps participants find qualified and vetted solar companies called Approved Vendors.
3
Approved Vendors and participants work together to plan and install solar panels on their property.
4
Participants are guaranteed savings on their energy bills.
Who Can Participate in Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar?
Owners of single-family homes
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.
Owners or managers of multifamily residential buildings
Two- to four-unit properties: At least two units must be occupied by households with incomes of 80% or less of the AMI.
Five-unit or larger properties: At least half of units must be occupied by households with incomes of 80% or less of the AMI.
Benefits of Bringing Solar to Your Home
Savings
- No or low upfront cost
- Affordable solar installation
- Guaranteed savings on electric bills
Home Improvement
- Low risk investment that can increase the value of your home
- Reduce your home’s energy costs
Community Impact
- Reduces the impact of climate change in your community
- Helps Illinois reach its renewable energy goals
Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Solar
ILSFA guarantees that all qualified participants will see savings on their energy bills. The graphic below is an example of how ILSFA can help lower your electricity bill.
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.
No or low upfront costs
Owners of single-family homes and small multifamily buildings will have no upfront costs, while building owners of large multifamily properties may incur a small upfront cost.
Solar contracts with no or low monthly costs
Most participants will not owe monthly payments to a solar company. If your solar contract does include payments, ILSFA requires that costs and fees for the solar project be no more than half of the value you receive from the energy produced by your solar project. For example, in the sample bill above, if you generate $60 worth of solar energy on average in a month, your solar company could only charge you up to $30 on your monthly bill.
Your savings will depend on the following:
- Average Electricity Rate: The more you currently pay, the more money you can potentially save. Check with your electricity supplier or check your electricity bill for current rates. (Note: Some electricity suppliers offer rates that vary month to month.)
- Your Property’s Suitability for Solar: The direction your roof faces, its angle, and how much shade it gets will affect how much electricity a roof-mounted solar project will generate. Your roof’s condition should also be considered. For ground-mounted solar projects, the area or land where the system would be installed should have no obstructions, flooding, or contamination. It should support the weight of the solar panels and equipment.
- Optimizing Your Energy Usage: Sharing your electricity usage history with your Approved Vendor can help them optimize your system. They will design a solar project to fit your needs.
- Tax Credits: If you buy your system, you may qualify for a Federal Investment Tax Credit. You can only take full advantage of this tax credit if you owe more in federal income taxes than the potential credit. Consult an accountant or tax adviser for more information.
Yes. You will receive your regular electricity bill from your utility, along with a bill from your Approved Vendor. However, these two bills will add up to less than your bill amount before enrollment in the program.
No. Your current electricity provider and rates will remain the same.
Below are the most common financing and ownership options:
- Purchase of Solar Project: Participants purchase the solar project outright. The participant may take out a loan to finance the purchase.
- Lease of Solar Project: Participants lease the project, which is on their property but owned by someone else.
- Purchase of Electricity from the Solar Project: Participants purchase electricity generated by the solar project through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The project is on the participant’s property but is owned by someone else.
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.
If you own the system, the lender must allow you the option to re-assign the loan or to 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.
Solar projects are very durable and require little to no maintenance over their lifetime, which can span over 20 years. If something goes wrong, your solar installation components have warranties covering replacement and repair costs. You should ask your Approved Vendor about the warranties provided on your panels.
Illinois Solar for All requires that participants receive no-cost routine maintenance on residential rooftop and ground-mount solar projects with leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 15 years or the contract term – whichever is longer. Participants who purchase their system may be responsible for obtaining insurance coverage.
Residents who do not qualify for ILSFA may be able to adopt solar energy through Illinois Shines, another state solar incentive program.