Illinois
Community solar in Illinois allows homeowners to subscribe to a local solar garden and receive credits on their utility bills without installing panels on their property. This program expands access to clean energy while lowering electricity costs for residents, including renters! At Community Solar Representatives, we provide expert guidance to ensure homeowners understand the benefits of enrollment and how community solar contributes to a more sustainable energy grid.
Solar Garden Located in Red Wing, Minnesota
About Illinois Community Solar
Illinois Community Solar was created to make clean, affordable energy available to everyone—not just homeowners with rooftop panels. Through the state’s community solar program, residents can subscribe to a nearby solar farm and receive credits on their utility bill for the clean energy produced. This allows subscribers to support renewable energy and lower their electricity costs without installation, maintenance, or upfront expenses.
The program is supported by the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), ensuring long-term savings, grid improvements, and accessibility for households across the state. Illinois Community Solar continues to expand access to clean energy while reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and building a more sustainable future.
ComEd’s Community Solar Program
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How It Works: Customers subscribe to a share of a community solar farm, and in return, they receive bill credits that lower their monthly electricity costs.
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Savings: Participants typically receive a 10-20% discount on electricity costs.
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Eligibility: Available to both homeowners and renters in ComEd’s service area.
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No Installation Needed: Since the solar panels are off-site, there’s no equipment or maintenance required.
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Illinois Shines Participation: ComEd’s community solar offerings are part of the Illinois Shines program, which ensures transparency and consumer protections.
Ameren’s Community Solar & Aggregated Net Metering
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How It Works: Similar to ComEd, Ameren customers can subscribe to a community solar project and receive monthly bill credits based on the amount of solar energy produced.
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Savings: The credits help offset electricity costs, with potential savings around 10-20% per month.
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Eligibility: Available to homeowners, renters, and businesses in Ameren’s service area.
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Aggregated Net Metering: This allows multiple accounts under the same owner to benefit from one subscription, making it an option for landlords and businesses managing multiple properties.
How It Works
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Your monthly electric bill: $200
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You receive a $150 solar credit from your share of the solar garden.
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That credit is applied to your utility bill, lowering what you owe.
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You then pay the solar provider for that $150 credit at a 10% discount — so you only pay $135.
✅ Result: You save $15 that month, and your total energy cost drops from $200 to $185 — while supporting local clean energy.