What is Community Solar in Illinois?
Community solar makes it possible for more people across Illinois to benefit from solar energy even if they cannot install panels on their own property. Through the Illinois Community Solar Program, local solar projects in Illinois generate clean electricity that flows directly into the utility grid.
Residents and businesses can subscribe to a share of energy and receive credits on their monthly electric bills, lowering costs while supporting renewable energy in Illinois.
Behind every community solar project in Illinois is a piece of open land that makes it all possible. Property owners who host these Illinois solar projects can create reliable, long-term income while helping deliver clean, affordable power to their communities
How the Illinois Community Solar Program Works
The Illinois Community Solar Program, part of Illinois Shines, was created to make renewable energy more accessible across the state. Through this program, community solar projects in Illinois are built on local land and connected to the grid, delivering clean power to nearby homes and businesses.
Residents and businesses can subscribe to a share of an Illinois solar farm and receive credits on their utility bills for the power their share produces. It is a simple way to save money and support renewable energy in Illinois.
Benefits of Community Solar in Illinois for Landowners
Hosting a community solar project in Illinois creates lasting value for both property owners and their communities. It offers a steady source of income, helps preserve the land, and supports clean, affordable energy across the state.
Reliable Income
Leasing land for solar projects in Illinois creates a predictable, long-term revenue stream that stays consistent year after year.
Land Preservation
Community solar lets property owners earn income while keeping their land intact. After the lease, the site can be restored or reused, allowing the property to stay in the family for generations.
Low Maintenance and Oversight
Once the project is built, there’s little to no work required from the property owner. ECA Solar manages all permitting, construction, and upkeep, so the land generates income with minimal involvement.
Tax and Community Value
Hosting a solar project can increase local tax revenue, supporting schools, roads, and essential community services while keeping the land in productive use.
Let's Talk About Your Land.
Not every property is suited for a solar project, but many areas across Illinois are ideal for community solar. Understanding what makes a good site can help property owners decide whether their land could host a community solar project in Illinois.
1. Proximity to the Grid
Land near existing utility poles, lines, or substations is highly valuable for community solar in Illinois because it keeps connection costs low and makes it easier to deliver energy into the local grid.
The closer the site is to this infrastructure, the smoother and faster the development process will be.
2. Open and Flat Land
The most successful solar projects in Illinois are built on open, flat, or gently sloped land that receives full sun throughout the day.
Fields with little shade from trees or nearby structures allow the panels to produce maximum power. Many agricultural or unused fields fit these conditions perfectly.
3. Minimal environmental constraints
Land that avoids floodplains, wetlands, and dense forested areas typically qualifies more easily for Illinois solar projects.
Sites with fewer environmental sensitivities reduce permitting delays and help ensure that construction has minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.
4. Long-term availability
A community solar project in Illinois generally operates for 25 to 30 years. Property owners who can commit their land for a long-term lease often see steady income for decades. At the end of the lease, the equipment is removed and the land is restored or repurposed.
By meeting these basic conditions, landowners can play a key role in expanding community solar in Illinois, earning reliable income while helping deliver clean energy across the state.
Your property could be a great fit if it falls within our criteria selection below:
