Community solar makes it possible for households, businesses, and municipalities to benefit from solar energy without installing a single panel.
Community solar is a model that allows multiple people to benefit from a single solar installation. Instead of putting panels on your own roof, you subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on your electricity bill for the energy it produces.
The solar array is built on available land (often on vacant municipal property or privately leased acreage) and connects directly to the local electrical grid. Subscribers don’t need to own property, have a suitable roof, or install any equipment.
For municipalities and landowners, community solar creates a new revenue stream. For residents, it lowers electricity costs. For the community, it generates jobs and clean energy. Everyone benefits.
From sunlight to savings. No panels required on your roof.
Panels are installed on local land, not on your property.
The array produces clean electricity from sunlight.
Power flows into the existing local utility network.
Your utility bill is credited for your share of the energy.
Subscribers pay less on electricity. Typically 10–20%.
Rooftop solar works well for some homeowners. Community solar works for everyone.
| Community Solar | Rooftop Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Available to renters | ✓ | × |
| No equipment on your property | ✓ | × |
| No upfront cost | ✓ | × |
| No maintenance responsibility | ✓ | × |
| Accessible to income-qualified households | ✓ | × |
| Generates municipal revenue | ✓ | × |
| Creates local construction jobs | ✓ | Limited |
Illinois has created one of the most supportive policy environments for community solar in the United States. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed in 2021, dramatically expanded the state’s commitment to renewable energy and energy equity.
Kane Energy develops projects specifically designed to take advantage of these programs. Maximizing benefit for the communities we serve.
Expanded renewable energy goals to 50% by 2040 and 100% clean energy by 2050, with specific carve-outs for community solar and equity-focused projects.
Prioritizes participation from historically underserved communities in clean energy development, workforce training, and economic benefits.
Provides renewable energy credits (RECs) that make community solar projects financially viable and help deliver savings to subscribers.
Delivers the benefits of solar energy to low-income and environmental justice communities at no cost to participants, funded through the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Strengthens Illinois’ clean energy commitments by supporting grid reliability, expanding renewable energy deployment, and ensuring affordability for ratepayers.
No. Rooftop solar is installed on your own property and requires ownership, a suitable roof, and often a significant upfront investment. Community solar is a shared installation built on separate land. You subscribe and receive bill credits. No panels on your property, no equipment, no upfront cost.
No. Renters, homeowners, and businesses can all subscribe to community solar. You just need an electricity account with the local utility. Illinois law specifically prioritizes access for income-qualified households.
Savings vary by project and subscription size, but typical residential subscribers save $25 to $45 per month on their electricity bills. There is no cost to enroll and no long-term commitment required for most programs.
No. You keep your existing utility. Community solar credits appear on your regular electricity bill as a line-item reduction. Nothing about your service changes. You just pay less.
If you move within the same utility territory, your subscription typically transfers with you. If you move outside the service area, you can cancel your subscription. There are no long-term lock-in penalties for residential subscribers in most Illinois community solar programs.
Community solar starts with a conversation. Tell us about your community, your land, or your goals, and we’ll take it from there.
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