Retiree Finds Savings with Solar Energy
Project Summary
Like so many retirees, Girtha Allen was looking for ways to save money. A former beautician, Allen received a ComEd energy assessment and energy-efficient lightbulbs on her single-family home in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood but wanted to lower her electric bill further.
The previous owner of the house told Allen about Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) and referred her to Sunrun, a solar company approved by the program.
Initially, she thought that the upfront costs of getting solar panels would defeat her goal to save money. She soon learned that ILSFA would make going solar easy and affordable.
Project Details
- Estimated savings on electricity costs:*
- Solar Company: Sunrun
- First year: $689.02
- Total savings: $17,220.35
- Eligibility: Environmental Justice and Income-Eligible Communities
*These savings are based on estimated electricity costs. Since electricity rates are expected to rise over time, Girtha Allen’s estimated savings also increase over the course of her contract.
The Process
Allen said that going through the ILSFA process from application to installation was easy. She worked with Bejeray Morrison, Solar For All Program Manager at Sunrun.
Allen shared her most recent electric bill showing her usage over the last year to start the process. She also shared the number of people in her household and income documents to establish her eligibility. Households are eligible for ILSFA if their income does not exceed 80% area medium income (AMI).
Morrison scheduled the site inspection, which established that Allen’s property was a good fit for a solar installation. Once Allen signed the ILSFA disclosure form, Morrison designed a preliminary solar project with Sunrun’s software program.
They met to complete the application a week later. Once Allen approved the design, she signed the final contract. The project application was selected and approved by ILSFA in January 2021, and installation began in April 2021.
Morrison worked to make the application process smooth for Allen. “We met in person to complete the process instead of signing everything digitally,” Morrison said.
“I like that there were no upfront costs with getting solar through this program and that I could pay less for electricity.”
– Girtha Allen
The Results
Since participating in Illinois Solar for All, Allen has saved on her electric bills. “I was delighted to have my once $90 electric bill through budget billing drop down to $15 a month!” she said. Allen has mentioned her savings success with her neighbors, and some have expressed interest in participating in the program.
Because Allen is on a fixed income, like most retirees, the savings from participating in ILSFA helps her pay other bills. “I recommend Illinois Solar for All because everyone is interested in saving money,” she said.
“This is the best program Illinois has to offer,” Morrison added. “If you qualify, take advantage of the energy savings.”
