Owners of single-family and multifamily properties occupied by income-eligible households can benefit from ILSFA by installing solar panels on their property or by participating in community solar. The Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar program is for those interested in installing solar panels on their roof or ground-mounted on their property, while the Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar program is for those that would prefer to participate by subscribing to a solar project located offsite. See below for more details.

I am interested in installing solar panels on my property through the Residential Solar program.

Eligible participants can work with ILSFA Approved Vendors to install solar panels on their roof or have them ground-mounted on their property through the Residential Solar program. Homeowners have the option of purchasing panels, leasing panels, or entering into a power purchase agreement. These options can vary based on the Approved Vendors’ offerings and some Approved Vendors may offer no-cost leases.

Am I eligible?

Households must meet income-eligibility requirements. Income-eligible households are defined as those whose income does not exceed 80% area medium income (AMI).

• Single Family Residential Properties: Occupied by a household with an income of 80% or less Area Median Income (AMI).
• Multifamily Residential, Two- to Four-Unit Properties: At least two of the units are occupied by households with incomes of 80% or less of AMI.
• Multifamily Residential, Five-Unit, or Larger Properties: At least half of the units are occupied by households with incomes of 80% or less of AMI.
• Check to see if you are income-qualified for the Residential Solar subprogram.  For residential buildings of any size, projects can also qualify if developed on the property of homes or buildings that qualify for U.S. HUD Project-Based Vouchers or Project-Based Rental Assistance.
• Owners of single-family properties can work with the ILSFA Program Administrator to determine income eligibility for the Residential Solar program. Click here for more information.

How do I participate?

• If you are interested in participating, the next step is to find an ILSFA Approved Vendor.

How much can I save?

• Through ILSFA, there are no upfront costs to participants, and savings are guaranteed. The savings will vary depending on a variety of factors such as how much electricity is produced by your onsite solar project and your current electricity rate. Approved Vendors can provide savings information specific to your household.
• Approved Vendors must meet rigorous program requirements, including quality workmanship, participant savings, and adhere to the program’s consumer protection guidelines. This ensures participants are benefiting from the program.
• You can view more details on the Residential Solar program, view our Residential Solar brochure, or give us a call at 888.970.ISFA.

I can’t install solar panels on my property but want to participate in Community Solar.

Community Solar allows eligible participants to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own property. This is an option if you do not wish to install solar panels on your property or if your property is not conducive to installation, such as an older roof or too much shading on your property. Through Community Solar, you can subscribe to a portion of a solar project that is located offsite and receive electricity credits on your electricity bill. View the Department of Energy’s quick video on community solar.

Am I Eligible?

• Eligible home and building owners qualify as Community Solar subscribers if they meet the income requirements of 80% or less Area Median Income (AMI). Check to see if you are income-qualified for this program.

How do I Participate?

• If you are interested in participating, the next step is contacting an ILSFA Approved Vendor that is currently accepting subscribers for their Community Solar project in your utility area.  View the available Community Solar subscriptions (suscripcriones Comunitarias Solares disponibles).

How much can I save through participation in the Community Solar program?

• Through ILSFA, there are no upfront costs to participants in the Community Solar program, and savings are guaranteed in the form of bill credits on your electricity bill. The savings will vary depending on how much electricity is produced by the Community Solar project and the share of the system you subscribe to.  Approved Vendors can provide savings information specific to your household.
• Approved Vendors must meet rigorous program requirements, including quality workmanship, participant savings, and adhere to the program’s consumer protection guidelines. This ensures participants are benefiting from the program.
• For more details on the Community Solar program click here, view our Community Solar brochure, or give us a call at 888.970.ISFA.

Is there a program if I do not qualify for Illinois Solar for All?

• Illinois Shines is another state-administered incentive program that supports the development of both distributed generation and community solar projects in Illinois. You can learn more about their program here.

Are there other ways I can save on energy?

View the Energy Resources Guide for programs available to help improve energy performance and affordability for owners and tenants of residential buildings and non-profit facilities.