Welcome to Community Solar in Illinois

Start saving on your electricity bills with no rooftop panels, no upfront costs, and no change to your utility service.

How does Community Solar Work?

Community solar lets you save on your electric bill without installing panels. Instead of putting solar on your roof, you subscribe to a share of a local solar farm. The energy is fed into the grid, and your utility — like ComEd or Ameren — applies credits directly to your bill. The result? You save money while supporting clean, local power.

This isn’t a gimmick — it’s a state-supported program backed by the Illinois Shines initiative and created through legislation like the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

Sign Up With a Local Project

To protect consumers and ensure transparency, Illinois requires all enrollments be verified in person, near the property being enrolled — even for apartments. A representative from Power Project USA will meet you within 15 feet of your home or unit to complete the process.

Booking is easy:

✅ Use our online form to schedule an appointment. One of our representatives will call to confirm, or reschedule your appointment closer to date.

✅ Meet with a certified rep at your property and complete the enrollment proccess.

✅ Bring a recent utility bill (digital or paper) & award letter to be eligible for the LMI programs.

There’s no credit check, no commitment to stay long-term, and no penalty for moving later within your utility’s service area.

Most programs have no upfront cost, and many offer a guaranteed discount on solar credits. Once enrolled, the provider will handle coordination with your utility.

Tip: Power Project USA offers $0 enrollment and handles everything for you

Solar Energy Feeds the Grid

Once your assigned solar farm is live, it begins producing energy.

That electricity is sent directly into the local utility grid — just like any power plant.

Your utility keeps track of how much energy your share produced, and you start earning credits on your bill automatically

Understand the Billing Process (Including Dual Billing)

Illinois uses virtual net metering, so you get solar credits for the energy your share of the solar farm generates. Here’s how billing plays out:

  • Dual Billing (Standard): You receive two bills each month:
    • Your utility bill (with solar credits subtracted)
    • A separate bill from the solar provider for your share — but at a discount (usually 10–20% off the credited value)
  • Unified Billing (LMI Only): LMI customers enrolled in eligible programs receive one simple bill with credits and charges combined. This reduces paperwork and makes savings easier to track.

Either way, you pay less than before. Illinois law requires every subscription deliver net savings on your power bill.

Discover More About Community Solar

Enrollment Support

We assist residents through the enrollment process for community solar. Our dedicated team answers questions and guides you every step to ensure you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without hassle.

Policy Education

Understanding the policies behind community solar can be tricky. We provide clear information on the relevant laws and regulations to help residents make informed decisions about their energy options.

About IL Community Solar

Backed by SB84 and state regulatory oversight, New Mexico’s program reserves 30% of all solar capacity for low-income households and allows anyone with a utility bill to join.

What Our Clients Say

Hear Directly from Our Satisfied Participants

Enroll Now for Solar Savings!

Ready to unlock the benefits of solar energy? Join us to simplify your journey into community solar. Our team is here to support Illinois residents in enrolling and reaping the rewards of affordable solar energy. Take the first step toward making a positive impact in your life and your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions on Community Solar Answered
Does Power Project USA charge any fees to enroll?

No. All Power Project USA programs are free to join, with no hidden costs or subscription fees. We are committed to making clean energy accessible to all Illinois residents, especially low- to moderate-income households.

With Power Project USA, enrollment starts in person at your residence — even if you live in an apartment or rental unit. Illinois law requires that all subscriptions be verified within 15 feet of the property being enrolled.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Book an Appointment Online
    Use our website to schedule a time that works for you.

  2. Meet a Certified Rep at Your Home
    We’ll visit your unit, verify eligibility, and walk you through project options.

  3. Bring a Recent Utility Bill
    A paper or digital copy from ComEd, Ameren, or MidAmerican will work.

  4. Start Saving Automatically
    Once enrolled, you’ll receive solar bill credits every month — with no rooftop panels, no fees, and no changes to your electric service.

💡 If your address isn’t in an active project area, we’ll keep you on file and notify you when one becomes available.

Community solar in Illinois allows residents and businesses to subscribe to a local solar farm without installing rooftop panels. Subscribers receive credits on their utility bills based on their share of the solar power generated. This initiative is part of state-supported programs like Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All, established under legislation such as the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

In Illinois, community solar typically involves dual billing:

  • Utility Bill: Your utility (ComEd, Ameren, or MidAmerican) applies solar credits to your electric bill, reducing the amount you owe.

  • Solar Provider Bill: You receive a separate bill from your community solar provider, charging you for the solar credits at a discounted rate (usually 10–20% less than the value of the credits).

For low- to moderate-income (LMI) customers enrolled in eligible programs, unified billing may be available, combining charges and credits into a single, simplified bill.

How does community solar save me money?

When your share of the solar farm generates electricity, your utility applies bill credits to your account. You then pay the solar provider a discounted rate — typically 10–20% less than the value of the credits, helping you lower your total monthly cost.

Community solar is supported by Illinois’ major electric utilities: ComEd (Commonwealth Edison), Ameren Illinois, and MidAmerican Energy. If you’re a customer of one of these providers, you’re likely eligible to enroll in a local solar project and start receiving bill credits.

Illinois’ community solar program is built on strong legislation like the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). These laws created and expanded the Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All programs, which help ensure clean energy is accessible and affordable for all residents — especially low-income and environmental justice communities.

Yes! Community solar is designed for everyone — especially renters and those who can’t install rooftop panels. As long as you have a utility account with a participating provider, you can subscribe and enjoy clean energy savings.

Find Us Here

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to visit us. Our office is ready to help New Mexico residents connect with community solar programs and learn more about available options. We’re committed to making solar energy accessible for everyone.