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 Low-Income Distributed Generation program is for those interested in installing solar panels on their roof or ground-mounted on their property, while the Low-Income Community Solar program is for those that would prefer participating 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 Low-Income Distributed Generation 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 Low-Income Distributed Generation program. Homeowners have the option of purchasing panels, or leasing panels, or entering into a power purchase agreement. These options can vary based on the Approved Vendors’ offerings and some AVs 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 Low-Income Distributed Generation 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 Distributed Generation program. Click here for more information.

How do I participate?

• If you are interested in participating, the next step is to contact an ILSFA Approved Vendor. A list of those vendors can be found here as well as a list of current offers from Approved Vendors
• Approved Vendors must meet rigorous program requirements, including quality workmanship, participant savings, and adhere to the program’s consumer protections guidelines. This ensures participants are benefiting from the program.

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.
• For more details on the ILSFA Low Income Distributed Generation program click here, view our Low-Income Distributed Generation Program brochure, or give us a call at 888.970.ILSFA

I can’t install solar panels on my property, but want to participate in Low-Income 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 system 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 a Low-Income Community Solar subscriber 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 to contact an ILSFA Approved Vendor that is currently accepting subscribers for their community solar project in your utility area.  A list of those vendors can be found here.
• Approved Vendors must meet rigorous program requirements, including quality workmanship, participant savings, and adhere to the program’s consumer protections guidelines. This ensures participants are benefiting from the program.

How much can I save through participation in the Low-Income Community Solar program

• Through ILSFA, there are no upfront costs to participants in the Low-Income Community Solar program and savings are guaranteed through the form of bill credits on your electricity bill. The savings will vary depending on how much electricity is produced by the community solar system and the share of the system you subscribe to.  Approved Vendors can provide savings information specific to your household.
• For more details on the ILSFA Low-Income Community Solar program click here, view our Low-Income Community Solar brochure or give us a call at 888.970.ILSFA

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.