Community solar is transforming the way Illinois residents access renewable energy. By participating in community solar programs, individuals and businesses alike can enjoy the benefits of solar power without installing panels or other solar equipment on their properties. This innovative approach is not only making solar energy more accessible but also contributing to the state’s ambitious goal of generating 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050. Let’s explore the concept of community solar in Illinois, how it works, its benefits, and how you can get started!
Understanding Community Solar in Illinois
Community solar projects in Illinois are designed to allow multiple participants to share the electricity generated by a single solar array. These arrays are usually located off-site, meaning they can be built on vacant land, brownfields, or other suitable locations. Most community solar farms require at least ten acres of dry, relatively flat land to generate adequate energy. Participants subscribe to a portion of the solar farm, and the energy produced is credited to their electric bills.
Illinois has embraced community solar as part of its commitment to increasing renewable energy usage. There are several incentives in Illinois to attract participation in community solar, such as Illinois Shines. With Illinois Shine’s community solar program, subscribers receive solar bill credits through a process called net metering. The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) oversees the state’s community solar program, ensuring that projects meet specific criteria and that consumers are protected.
How Does Community Solar Work in Illinois?
Community solar in Illinois operates through a subscription model that simplifies access to renewable energy. Residents and businesses can sign up to receive a share of a local solar farm’s electricity, bypassing the need for individual installations. The solar farm feeds the generated electricity into the local power grid, with each subscriber’s portion meticulously tracked by the farm operator.
Subscribers benefit by receiving utility bill credits on their electricity bills that correspond to the amount of solar energy produced by their share of the solar farm. These SRECs effectively lower their overall electricity costs. This model not only offers immediate financial savings but also allows participants to contribute to the state’s clean energy goals without the hassle and expense of installing and maintaining their own solar panels. The flexibility of community solar means subscribers can easily join or leave the program, making it a convenient and accessible option for many Illinois residents. Subscribers only need a utility account to participate!
Benefits of Illinois Community Solar
Cost Savings
Community solar offers lower electricity rates than traditional utility rates, saving participants money on energy bills. With US Light Energy, subscribers can save a guaranteed 10% on their utility bill.
Accessibility
Community solar makes renewable energy accessible to those who cannot install solar panels on their property, including renters and individuals with shaded roofs.
Environmental Impact
By participating in community solar, subscribers contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air in their communities. Solar farms create zero pollution, unlike fossil-fuel-driven power plants.
Flexibility
Subscribers can join or leave community solar programs without long-term commitments, offering flexibility for those who may move or have changing energy needs.
Local Economy Boost
Community solar projects create jobs and stimulate local economies by developing and maintaining solar farms. Also, many landowners who lease land for community solar development enter into long-term agreements, lasting anywhere from twenty to forty years. That means they can enjoy steady, passive income for quite some time.
Which is Better: Community Solar or Rooftop Solar in Illinois?
Deciding between community solar and rooftop solar depends on various factors such as property ownership, roof condition, and personal preferences.
Rooftop Solar
- Ownership: Ideal for homeowners with suitable roofs who want to own their solar system.
- Investment: High upfront costs but potential for greater long-term savings through incentives and increased property value
- Control: Full control over your energy production and system maintenance
Community Solar
- Accessibility: Perfect for renters or homeowners with unsuitable roofs
- Cost: No upfront costs with immediate savings on electricity bills
- Flexibility: No maintenance required; easy to join or leave the program
Choosing the Best Solution for You
When deciding between community solar and rooftop solar, consider the following factors:
Home Ownership: If you own a home with a suitable roof, rooftop solar might be a good fit. If you rent or have a roof that isn’t ideal for solar, community solar is the way to go.
Financial Considerations: Assess your budget for upfront investments versus monthly savings. Rooftop solar requires a higher initial investment, whereas community solar offers immediate savings without any upfront or maintenance costs.
Lifestyle and Mobility: If you plan to move in the near future, community solar’s flexibility may be more appealing than the commitment required for rooftop solar.
How to Get Started with Community Solar in Illinois
Participating in community solar in IL is easy! Simply enter your zip code to discover if community solar is available in your area; you’ll be notified instantly. Once verified, you’ll be able to set up an online account. Lastly, you’ll need to submit a copy of your electric bill so US Light can connect your utility account to our online platform. Then, you can start saving 10% on your utility bill. There’s no need to switch utilities to join. With US Light, there are no subscription fees, credit checks, or long-term contracts!
Illinois Community Solar With US Light Energy
U.S. Light Energy (USLE) is a New York-based distributed generation energy development company specializing in Illinois’s community solar facilities and renewable energy solutions. As interest in solar energy continues to grow, we’re developing community solar projects across the state to make it easier for Illinois residents to participate in community solar. If you’re a landowner with ten acres or more of dry, relatively flat land, you could be eligible for leasing land for solar development. Land leases are a great way to generate stable, passive income over twenty-five years or more. Contact us today to learn more about how you can be part of the clean, renewable energy movement. U.S. Light Energy is leading the charge for a new generation.