Eligible participants do not need to own their home or property to participate in ILSFA. Eligible renters can participate in the Low-Income Community Solar program or talk to their landlord about participating in the Low-Income Distributed Generation 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 account. Through community solar, you can subscribe to a portion of a solar system that is located offsite and receive credits on your electricity bill. Credits are based on the electricity generated by the solar system. View the Department of Energy’s quick video on community solar.
Am I Eligible?
Renters can 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 and projects 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.
How much can I save?
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
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.