Eligible participants do not need to own their homes or properties to participate in ILSFA. Eligible renters can participate in the Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar program or talk to their landlord about participating in the Illinois Solar for All: Residential Solar program.
What is Community Solar?
Community Solar allows eligible participants to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own properties. This option is available for renters that have their own electricity accounts. Through Community Solar, you can subscribe to a portion of a solar project that is located offsite and receive credits on your electricity bill. Credits are based on the electricity generated by the solar project. View the Department of Energy’s quick video on Community Solar.
Am I Eligible?
Renters can 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 currently accepting subscribers for their Community Solar project in your utility area. Community Solar subscriptions (suscripciones Solares Comunitarias) is available.
Approved Vendors must meet rigorous program requirements, including quality workmanship, participant savings, and adhere to the program’s consumer protection guidelines.
How much can I save?
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.
For more details on the Community Solar program click here, view our Community Solar brochure, or give us a call at 888.970.ISFA.
Interested in having solar installed on your building?
We recommend talking to your landlord about the opportunities available through ILSFA. They can find information about installing solar panels on the page For Homeowners and Building Owners.
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 solar projects in Illinois. You can learn more about their community solar 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.