Quick answer
Be wary of anyone who says solar is free, claims to work for ComEd, Ameren or the government, or still promises the 30% federal tax credit. Under Illinois Shines, installers must give you a standard disclosure form before you sign, and you can cancel an on-site offer within three days. Complaints go to the Illinois Shines Consumer Complaint Center.
What are the red flags of a solar scam?
- "Free solar" or "a new government program." Leases and PPAs can be $0 down, but you still pay for the power. No state program gives panels away to everyone.
- Claims to be from ComEd, Ameren or the state. Utilities don't sell rooftop solar door to door.
- The 30% federal tax credit. It ended for homeowner-purchased systems after 2025. A pitch built on it is out of date or misleading.
- Savings that ignore the 2025 rules. New systems are credited at the supply rate for exported power. Ask whether the numbers assume that.
- Pressure to sign today, or to hand over your utility account number or bill on the doorstep.
- No written savings guarantee behind a specific savings promise.
What protections do Illinois solar customers have?
| Protection | What it means for you | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Standard disclosure form | You review and sign a form covering equipment, size, cost, warranties and financing before signing a contract | Illinois Shines |
| Three-day cancellation | For systems up to 25 kW, you can cancel an offer made at your home within at least three calendar days | Illinois Shines |
| Savings claims | A seller can promise specific savings only with a matching written guarantee in the contract | Illinois Shines |
| Identified salespeople | Door-to-door agents must show their name, agent ID, photo and company | Illinois Shines marketing rules, per the Citizens Utility Board |
| Cooling-Off Rule | Most home sales of $25 or more can be canceled within three business days, and the seller must tell you how | Federal Trade Commission |
How do I check that a solar company is legitimate?
- 1
Look the company up
Confirm it is an approved vendor on the Illinois Shines website, and search its name with "complaints" and "reviews".
- 2
Get the disclosure form
Ask for the Illinois Shines disclosure form and the program's consumer protection handbook before you sign anything.
- 3
Compare at least three quotes
Prices and equipment vary widely. A quote far above or below the others deserves questions.
- 4
Read the financing terms
Check the interest rate, any dealer fees, escalators on lease or PPA payments, and what happens if you sell the home.
How do I cancel a solar contract or file a complaint in Illinois?
To cancel within the three-day window, follow the cancellation instructions in your contract and send written notice the way it describes, keeping a copy and proof of the date.
For a project in Illinois Shines or Illinois Solar for All, file a complaint with the program's Consumer Complaint Center on the Illinois Shines website, which accepts complaints by web form, email (complaints@illinoisshines.com) and phone. The Citizens Utility Board also helps consumers at 800-669-5556. The program publishes complaints and disciplinary actions against vendors each year.
Sources
- Illinois Power Agency: Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All fact sheet (consumer protections)
- NPR Illinois: Citizens Utility Board warns about door-to-door solar sales
- Federal Trade Commission: Cooling-Off Rule for sales made at home
- Illinois Shines: 2025 annual consumer complaints and disciplinary actions report
- Illinois Shines: Consumer FAQs
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.