Quick answer
Community solar lets Illinois homes subscribe to part of a local solar farm instead of installing panels. Your share of its output earns credits on your ComEd or Ameren bill, and you pay the provider less than the credits are worth. The Citizens Utility Board says subscriptions typically promise 10–20% savings on the supply part of your bill, and income-qualified homes can save more.
How does community solar work in Illinois?
- 1
Sign up with a provider
A community solar company sizes your subscription from your past electricity use, measured in kilowatts of a local solar farm.
- 2
The farm produces power
Its output goes onto the ComEd or Ameren grid, and your share is credited on your utility bill.
- 3
You pay less than the credits are worth
Either one combined bill from your utility (net crediting) or two bills, one from the utility and one from the provider.
- 4
Nothing changes at home
No panels, no roof work and no change in who delivers your power. ComEd or Ameren still handles outages and delivery.
How much does community solar save in Illinois?
Savings apply to the supply portion of your bill. The Citizens Utility Board describes Illinois community solar offers as promising roughly 10–20% savings compared with your utility's supply price. On a typical bill, that is a modest but steady discount, not the larger savings rooftop solar can deliver.
Income-qualified households can do better through Illinois Solar for All, whose community solar projects are designed to save subscribers up to about 50% of the value of their solar credits. Actual savings vary month to month with the farm's output and your usage.
Community solar or rooftop solar: which is better?
| Community solar | Rooftop solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Renters, condo owners, shaded or unsuitable roofs | Homeowners with a sunny roof |
| Upfront cost | Usually $0 | Purchase price, or $0 with a lease or PPA |
| Typical savings | About 10–20% on supply charges | Often most of the energy part of your bill |
| Incentives you capture | Built into the subscription price | Utility rebate (~$300/kW) and Illinois Shines |
| Commitment | Subscription contract; check exit terms | System you own or a long-term agreement |
If you own your home and have a good roof, rooftop solar usually saves far more. Check yours with the solar savings calculator.
Can I still join community solar in 2026?
Yes, but availability depends on the project. Industry reports in 2026 said the Illinois Shines community solar incentive blocks had filled, with waitlists in both ComEd and Ameren territory, and that newer subscriptions run through the utilities' virtual net metering tariffs instead. Providers still enroll customers on projects with open capacity, and Illinois Solar for All projects enroll income-qualified households.
What should I check before signing a community solar contract?
- Contract length and whether you can cancel, and any early-exit fee
- How your rate is set and whether the discount is fixed or can change
- Billing method: one combined utility bill or two separate bills
- Credit checks and what happens if you move
- Who the provider is, and whether the project participates in Illinois Shines or Solar for All, which come with consumer protections
See also how to spot solar scams in Illinois.
Sources
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Incentive programs change, so confirm current terms with your installer, your utility and a tax professional.