Illinois is leading the charge toward clean energy, and community solar options in Illinois are making the benefits of renewable power accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, you can now benefit from solar energy savings without installing panels on your property. This overview will walk you through everything you need to know about Illinois community solar programs, how they work, and how you can start saving today.

What Is Community Solar?

Community solar is a shared-renewable energy program where individuals and organizations can subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and lower their electricity costs each month. Instead of installing rooftop panels, you join a community solar farm that generates clean energy for the grid. In return, you receive credits on your utility bill for the electricity produced by your share – saving you money each month.

Why Choose Community Solar?

  • No upfront costs or equipment installation – community solar providers like PureSky Energy build and maintain the solar farms so you don’t have to.
  • Guaranteed savings—typically 10% savings on your solar credits each month. For income eligible programs, savings are 50% of the value of the solar credits.
  • Flexibility with subscription terms – most community solar companies offer free cancellation, but with notice. It takes time for the utilities to process changes to community solar subscriptions.
  • Environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Illinois’ renewable energy goals.

Illinois Community Solar Programs

Illinois has two major programs that make community solar widely accessible:

1. Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)

Illinois Shines supports traditional community solar farms and offers bill credits through net metering. It’s available to customers of major utilities like ComEd and Ameren Illinois. This program is ideal for households and businesses looking for predictable savings and easy enrollment.

PureSky Energy has several community solar farms coming online in 2026 and two current slated for Spring. You can sign up to these solar farms before they’ve finished operation to guarantee your spot. Once they are online, you will automatically see your solar credits and savings applied directly to your electric bill.

View our community solar farms in Illinois »

Illinois Solar for All

2. Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA)

ILSFA is designed for income-eligible households, non-profits, and public facilities. It guarantees no upfront costs and significant savings— 50% of the value of your solar credits. If you meet income requirements or participate in programs like LIHEAP or SNAP, this is the most affordable way to join Illinois community solar.

PureSky Energy has a few spots available on our income-based McLean 1 solar farm. Learn more about the community solar farm and how to subscribe »

How Does Community Solar Work in Illinois?

The process is simple:

  1. Find a Community Solar Farm:
    PureSky Energy has multiple community solar farms coming online shortly.

Visit our Illinois community solar page to learn more about getting started »

  1. Subscribe
    Your subscription size is based on your historical electricity usage through your utility bills. Simply fill out the form online or contact us and we will size your subscription for you. We will also help you find out if you are eligible for an income-based extra savings.
  1. Receive Bill Credits
    As your share of the solar farm generates electricity, you earn credits on your utility bill. With PureSky Energy, your community solar savings are applied directly to your utility bill. That means only one bill and less hassle! 

Some community solar providers in Illinois may have a two-bill system. We recommend checking with the community solar provider before you sign up.

Who Can Participate?

Almost anyone with an active utility account can join. Homeowners, renters, businesses, government buildings, and even places of worship are eligible. You don’t need to own your property, and there’s no special equipment to install. Which also means that there are no upfront costs to join. For income-qualified households, programs like ILSFA make participation even more affordable with larger savings.

Benefits of Illinois Community Solar

Joining a community solar program in Illinois offers both financial and environmental benefits:

  • Save money: Most participants see savings equal to 10% savings of the bill credits, and income-qualified households can save even more.
  • Reduce carbon emissions: Supporting solar energy helps Illinois cut reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Support local economies: Solar farms create jobs and stimulate economic growth in communities across the state.

What’s New for 2026?

Illinois continues to expand its community solar capacity. The 2026 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan proposes increasing block capacity for Illinois Shines to 1,200 MW, ensuring more projects and subscriber opportunities. Equity initiatives under CEJA also prioritize access for low-income and environmental justice communities, reinforcing Illinois’ commitment to inclusive clean energy growth.

How to Get Started with Community Solar in Illinois

Ready to join? Here’s your action plan:

  • Check availability with PureSky Energy
  • Review contract terms carefully—PureSky offers guaranteed savings and no upfront costs.
  • Sign up online with an Approved Vendor like PureSky Energy. Some extra perks to look for: quick enrollment and dedicated customer support.

Sign up for Illinois Community Solar

Join our community of over 10,000 community solar subscribers, enjoying savings and powering change within their local communities!

Another Reason to Consider Community Solar Options in Illinois

Community solar in Illinois is more than an energy program—it’s a movement toward sustainability, equity, and economic opportunity. By participating, you’re not only lowering your electricity bills but also contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the state.

Additional Articles on Community Solar in Illinois

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