Save 15% on electricity costs*
- No rooftop panels
- No sign-up fees
- No long-term contracts
- No cancellation fees
*Savings vary by state
Illinois Community Solar
What is Illinois Community Solar?
Community solar in Illinois is a subscription-based service that enables Ameren and ComEd customers, residents and businesses alike, to benefit from clean, renewable energy. Illinois community solar programs leverage local, large-scale solar arrays sited throughout the state, which generate clean energy for the local power grid. Illinoisans who subscribe to these solar farms see annual electricity cost savings on their Ameren or ComEd bills, while the grid is supported by an influx of clean, renewable energy.
How does community solar work in Illinois?
Nexamp currently has community solar projects in the ComEd and Ameren utility service territories. Residents who get their power from these utilities can subscribe to a Nexamp community solar farm and save 15% annually on their electricity costs without changing electricity providers.
A subscription to a Nexamp community solar farm allows Illinoisans to receive credits on their electricity bill for the energy produced by their share of the project, saving them up to 15%* on electricity costs. Income-eligible households may qualify for a higher discount of up to 20%. Enter your zip code above to get started and see if you qualify.
*You pay Nexamp for your community solar bill credits at a 15% discount. The bill credit price will depend on your utility’s Price to Compare rate. Credits will appear on your utility bill 2-3 billing cycles after the solar farm goes live.
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how it works!
Sign up to claim your spot
Provide some basic information and your utility account details.
Get assigned to a farm
As soon as a spot opens up, we’ll add you to a farm. We’ll subscribe you to the right amount of solar shares based on your electricity needs.
Save on electricity costs
You’ll get a discount on your utility bill in the form of credits. Pay Nexamp for these credits at a discount, helping you save.
Community solar vs. rooftop solar in Illinois
When considering which solar solution might be right for you, it's important to understand the differences between community solar and rooftop solar. The table below breaks down the key differences between these two options.
| Nexamp Community Solar | Illinois Rooftop Solar | |
| Upfront cost | No upfront cost | High upfront cost |
| Cost savings | Lower long-term savings | Higher long-term savings |
| Maintenance | No maintenance required; farms are maintained by Nexamp | Homeowner is responsible for all maintenance |
| Accessibility | Available to renters and homeowners | Available only to homeowners with a suitable roof |
| Tax incentives | Subscribers are not eligible for solar tax incentives | Tax incentives are available |
|
Property value impact |
No impact on property value for subscribers | Can help increase property value |
Who can sign up for community solar in Illinois?
Homeowners
Renters
Income eligible households
Businesses
Schools and universities
Hospitals
Religious Organizations
Municipalities
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Why Nexamp?
Nexamp Community Solar doesn’t require a credit check to enroll, there are no upfront costs, and there is no fee to cancel. We make it easy for homeowners, renters, small businesses, and others to participate in our Community Solar program and save 15% on their annual electricity costs.
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Community Solar Projects Illinois
FAQs: Community Solar in Illinois
What is the history of community solar and community solar legislation in Illinois?
Illinois passed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) in 2016 which laid the groundwork for community solar initiatives in the state. FEJA was further bolstered by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which was passed in 2021 and set ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption. These goals included a state-wide target of 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% renewable energy by 2040. This legislative support led to a surge in community solar in the Land of Lincoln, making solar energy accessible to those unable to install their own solar panels. CEJA also supported additional funding for the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program, which focuses on community solar projects that benefit income eligible customers.
What is the structure of Illinois community solar?
Under the Adjustable Block Program (ABP), also known as Illinois Shines—there are traditional community solar projects and community-driven community solar projects. Nexamp has projects in Illinois that fall into both of these categories.
Traditional Community Solar
Traditional community solar projects in Illinois aim to support subscribers by reducing their electricity costs. While they provide benefits to subscribers, they do not typically have significant connections to, nor do they make investments in the subscribers' communities.
Community-Driven Community Solar
Community-driven community solar projects in Illinois aim to create lasting partnerships and provide direct benefits within their host communities. They typically serve a smaller area than traditional community solar projects and are very responsive to the needs of their host communities.
Virtual net metering for community solar
Illinois Shines also provides incentives for new solar energy generation. Community solar subscribers benefit from these incentives through virtual net metering. A subscription to a Nexamp community solar farm allows Illinoisans to receive virtual net metering credits on their bill for the energy produced by their share of the project. These credits help offset the supply charges on a community solar subscriber’s utility bill. At Nexamp, we bill subscribers for credits at a 15% discount.
How has Illinois community solar been growing?
Illinois has experienced remarkable growth in community solar in recent years, driven by supportive legislation and the establishment of the Illinois Shines program. This initiative has played a key role in incentivizing distributed generation solar projects and making solar energy more affordable. The passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021 further accelerated expansion, increasing community solar capacity and providing financial support to the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program, which ensures that income eligible communities benefit from clean energy.
Today, Illinois ranks fourth in the nation for community solar capacity, a testament to the state’s commitment to renewable energy.
Take advantage of the growth accessibility of community solar in Illinois! When you sign up for community solar, you support the generation of clean, renewable energy while realizing annual electricity cost savings.