Renewable Energy

Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program

The CS² program gives residents the option to support community solar developments in northern Illinois, such as this project in Cortland, Illinois.

One way to help your residents and small businesses save money on their electric bills is through our Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS²) Program. The CS² program gives residents the option to support community solar developments in northern Illinois. By subscribing, residents and small businesses are guaranteed 10% savings of the community solar credits they receive on their bill. Participants can support solar power without installing their own rooftop panels. The Caucus’ program does not require any actions on behalf of all residents, and the CS² program is compatible with existing aggregation programs. 

If your community is interested in connecting residents to a community solar subscription offer, please follow the steps on our CS² Program webpage. The first step in the process is to complete an Expression of Interest form.

Switch Together partners with local governments and nonprofits to help homeowners and small businesses secure a quality rooftop solar installation at a competitive price. The program also offers discounted prices for optional add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers.

Illinois Solar for All

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) is a state-run program that makes solar more accessible for income-eligible residents. Thanks to funding through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), consumers can take advantage of the benefits of solar at little or no cost. Solar for All has two programs that benefit households: Residential Rooftop Solar and Community Solar. To participate in Solar for All, you must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income. That amount varies based on the number of people in your household and where you live in Illinois.

Illinois Shines, also known as the Adjustable Block Program, is a state-administered solar incentive program overseen by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). Its primary goal is to expand access to solar energy and help Illinois meet its renewable energy targets, including 40% of energy from renewable sources by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 100% clean energy by 2050. The Illinois Shines Program is set up for utilities to buy Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) on a 15-year timescale. Approved Vendors apply for the SREC incentive on behalf of customers. The Approved Vendor is a third party the solar installer works with, though sometimes installers process SREC applications in-house. Part of the incentive that the Approved Vendor receives from the SREC is passed on to the customer. Additionally, the customer receives a credit on the utility bill for the electricity produced by the solar system.