Community solar lets you support local solar energy without any equipment at home. Your utility still delivers power on the same wires. You keep your account with ComEd or Ameren Illinois.

Community solar in Illinois, made simple

  • Nothing is installed at your home. No panels, no roof work, no equipment.
  • You subscribe to a share of a local solar project.
  • Your utility bill shows solar credits from that project.

If you want a quick overview of options near you, see our Illinois community solar page. It has current utility service areas and enrollment notes.

Illinois Shines: the Adjustable Block Program

Illinois Shines (statutorily known as the Adjustable Block Program) is a state program that provides an incentive for solar projects, including community solar. This support helps more projects get built and serve Illinois customers.

Under Illinois Shines, subscribers use a project in the same utility territory as their account. In Illinois, ComEd and Ameren Illinois customers can join eligible projects. That means a ComEd customer enrolls in a ComEd‑territory project, and an Ameren Illinois customer enrolls in an Ameren‑territory project.

Illinois Solar for All: income‑eligible subscriptions

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) offers a community solar option for renters and homeowners with household income at or below 80% of area median income. “The ILSFA program ensures that your fees total no more than half of whatever electric bill value you receive (at the time of starting the subscription) through the Program.”

If you think your household may qualify, you can check your eligibility. The form is quick and helps us match you to a project in your utility territory.

Who can join and where your credits apply

Community solar subscriptions are tied to utility territories. Subscribers use a project in the same utility territory as their account. ComEd and Ameren Illinois customers can join eligible community solar projects in their territories.

Your solar credits reduce part of your utility bill. You still receive utility service from ComEd or Ameren Illinois, and you remain a utility customer. For local program details and current availability, visit our Illinois state guide.

Billing and savings basics

Here is how billing usually works:

  • Your utility bill shows solar bill credits from your community solar share. Credits cover part of your bill, not all of it.
  • You pay for your subscription at a price that is less than the value of the credits. Any discount applies to the credits, not your whole bill.
  • Savings depend on your state, your utility, and the project you join.

Some projects offer one bill through ComEd or Ameren Illinois. Others bill the subscription separately. Either way, the utility keeps delivering electricity on the same wires.

Consumer protections and 2026 update

Illinois Shines rules require marketers to say who is making the offer, that they are not the utility, and that the customer stays responsible for the utility bill. Community solar marketing in Illinois follows these standards so you know who you are working with and what you are signing up for.

There is also a recent policy change to know. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Public Act 104-0458) was signed January 8, 2026 and took effect June 1, 2026. It raised the community solar project size limit to 10 MW.

Getting started

If you are in ComEd or Ameren Illinois territory, a community solar project may be available in your area. To see your options and whether you may qualify for ILSFA or another offer, you can check your eligibility. We will confirm your utility territory and match you to projects built to serve it.

Community solar in Illinois is designed to be clear and practical. With the right project for your utility territory, you can support local solar energy and see credits on your regular utility bill.