What is IL Solar for ALL?
Community Solar, also known as Net Energy Billing (NEB), is enabled by Illinois Solar for All and is designed to promote the expansion of solar production in IL, as a way to meet aggressive clean energy targets over the next few years.
The Community Solar program provides access to the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on-site to income-eligible households who have Ameren or ComEd as their utility, as well as qualified non-profits and public facilities. This is made possible by providing incentives to the Approved Vendors who develop the Community Solar projects, allowing them to pass along savings to participants.
The incentives that Approved Vendors receive come from selling Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). RECs represent the environmental value of the electricity generated from solar panels, but not the electricity itself. ILSFA Approved Vendors are paid by the sale of the system’s RECs, which enables the Approved Vendor to pass along savings to the program participant.
Community Solar is the EASIEST way to go solar, reduce your carbon emissions, and save money.
How does it work?
1. Enroll below
Connect your existing electric account with a nearby solar farm. You just need a copy of your recent utility bill. Enroll online in under 2 minutes, completely free.
2. Start generating solar power
When there is sunshine, the solar farm generates power and feeds it to your community’s electric grid, on your behalf.
3. Receive solar credits
Your utility bill is credited for the amount of solar energy KWHs that were generated for you during this billing cycle, reducing the electric portion you pay the utility (see example below).
4. Pay for your solar credits
Shortly after your significantly lower utility bill arrives, you pay your solar farm directly for your solar credits at the guaranteed discount of 15-20% (discount depends on utility and income qualification).
Example Utility Bill with Solar Credits
Click image to expand & zoom
Our customers 💘 solar!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start receiving solar credits?
Community solar credits will start reducing your utility bill about 2 to 3 billing cycles after enrollment, if the project is live. If a project is under construction, it may take 3-8 months for credits to start, but rest assured, your spot is reserved! Your first e-statement from the solar project will be after your credited utility bill arrives.
Can I transfer the program if I move?
You can transfer the program if you move within the approved region for the project. Simply call or email the developer to confirm. If your consumption is much higher or lower at the next property, you may ask the developer to readjust your solar credit allocation.
What if I move out of the area or wish to cancel? (ie. getting solar on the home)
There are no exit fees for residential consumers. Please provide 90 days (or as much as possible) notice to the solar project ahead of a move/cancellation so they can assign solar credits to other customers and stop allocating them towards your account.
Once you move, contact Finray Solar to see if we have a solar farm with availability in your new area.
How are credits calculated?
The solar farm will allocate credits for 90% of your historical consumption with your utility (based on past 12 months). If your usage increases (ie. you buy an EV), you may contact the solar project and ask for them to recalculate your share of credits. If you don’t use up all your credits in a given month, they will roll over to the following month.
Be part of the solution…
not the pollution!
By applying for a space on a local solar project, you can SAVE THOUSANDS of dollars over the next 5-20 years.
You also help fund the building of new solar farms, which allows for more homes to connect to a renewable source, and reduces America’s dependency on fossil fuels (ie. natural gas, oil, coal).
Join us on OUR MISSION to connect 500,000 Americans to clean energy by 2030, enroll today!
Enroll for Community Solar in Illinois
Fill the fields and click Next Step. You’ll be taken to our partner to complete enrollment (takes 2 minutes).
Still have questions?
Learn more about Finray Solar — WHO we are, WHAT we do, and WHY.
Or, feel free to Contact Us to ASK A QUESTION. We look forward to speaking with you. And we are excited to help you connect your home to a discounted clean source of electricity!