Solar power is for everyone

The concept of powering our lives from the sun’s free, endless energy is irresistible. But it’s not just for those who can install solar panels on their rooftops. With “community solar,” anyone with an electric utility account — renters and condo owners included — can participate in generating solar energy.

By subscribing to community solar, you save money on your electric bill while boosting the amount of renewable energy fed into the electrical grid from which we all draw. Together, community solar subscribers are helping Illinois toward its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. They include thousands of households as well as business and institutions, such as Northwestern University.

It’s easy to apply for a community solar account: all you need is a recent electricity bill. And there are typically no application or early cancellation fees. Some community solar vendors construct solar “farms” on underutilized farmland, thereby supporting Illinois’ rural economy. The more people subscribe to community solar, the more solar capacity is developed. Everyone wins.

Where to start? The Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization advocating for utility customers, offers an excellent resource at https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community, including comparisons of the various vendors serving our area as well as information about Solar For All, the state’s community solar program for low-income Illinoisans. 

Wendy Greenhouse
Oak Park

This was originally posted on the Wednesday Journal on 2/20/2024