How Chicago IL Community Solar Helps Homeowners and Renters Plug Into Clean Power

Navigating Rooftops, Community Solar, and Incentives in the Windy City

Solar Power in the Windy City? Absolutely.

Chicago might be known for towering skyscrapers, legendary pizza, and fierce sports loyalty—but it’s also becoming a powerhouse for renewable energy. In a landscape dominated by concrete, steel, and rapid urban life, many assume solar power is out of reach. But the truth is, solar energy is thriving in Chicago, and it’s more accessible than ever—no matter where or how you live. With community solar, residents can benefit from solar energy without needing to install solar panels on their own property.

Whether you’re a renter in Bronzeville, a homeowner in Norwood Park, or managing a condo in Hyde Park, solar has entered the city mainstream. You don’t need to own property or have your own solar panels to participate in community solar. From rooftop systems to community solar subscriptions, Chicagoans now have multiple ways to join the clean energy movement—while lowering their bills in the process.

Let’s explore how solar is reshaping Chicago’s neighborhoods, boosting energy equity, and helping residents power their homes—panel by panel, block by block.

Chicago’s Solar Momentum: A City on the Rise

For years, Chicago’s climate ambitions have grown quietly in the background. But recently, they’ve taken center stage. With the city committed to sourcing 100% clean energy for all municipal buildings by 2035, the stage is set for private homeowners and renters to follow.

Support for solar is coming from multiple directions. City-level policies are aligning with state-wide initiatives like Illinois Shines, and utilities like ComEd are stepping up to streamline processes. Community solar legislation, including the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), has driven the growth of community solar projects and created future energy jobs across Illinois. With solar installations rising each year, the momentum is unmistakable.

And it’s not just about rooftops—it’s about jobs, equity, and reimagining what city energy looks like.

Between 2018 and 2023, Chicago tripled its installed solar capacity. That kind of growth isn’t happening by accident—it’s the result of coordinated planning, community outreach, and an increasing appetite for sustainable living across every neighborhood. This expansion is also fueling local economic growth and generating new job opportunities for residents.

“Chicago is proving that big cities can lead on climate and equity—solar is a cornerstone of that strategy,” says Angela Tovar, the city’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Community Solar: No Roof? No Problem.

You don’t need a rooftop to go solar in Chicago. In fact, some of the fastest-growing participation in solar is coming from renters and condo residents through Chicago IL community solar programs.

A community solar project—sometimes called a solar garden—lets community members, including renters, homeowners, nonprofit organizations, public entities, and local communities, subscribe to a share of the electricity generated, energy produced, or power generated by large-scale solar panels installed offsite. These projects can be traditional community solar projects or CDCS projects, with some emphasizing community ownership and direct benefits for local communities.

The community solar provider manages the solar garden and handles billing, while participants receive community solar bill credits on their utility bill or electric bill for their share of the energy produced through virtual net metering. In most cases, you’ll receive a separate bill from the community solar provider for your subscription fee or subscription fees. Community solar subscriptions typically do not require a credit check or upfront costs, making them accessible to more people. Before enrolling, it’s important to review the disclosure form, understand the contract term, and be aware of any fees for ending a contract early, as some subscriptions may involve a long term commitment.

Compared to an alternative retail electric supplier, community solar in Illinois—supported by state programs like the Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Shines—often provides greater financial incentives and benefits to local communities. You can compare multiple offers from different community solar providers to find the best contract terms and maximize your savings. Community solar projects help you save money on annual electricity costs, electric bills, and electricity bills, and can even increase your property value. These projects, supported by the Future Energy Jobs Act and other community solar legislation, are part of the broader Illinois solar movement and contribute to the state’s clean energy goals.

This is a game-changer for apartment dwellers, multi-unit buildings, and households with shady or small roofs. Participants report average savings of 10–20% annually—without ever installing a panel or changing energy providers.

As more solar farms go live around the state, available spots for Chicagoans are expanding. That means more residents in historically underserved neighborhoods have an opportunity to participate in clean energy at no cost upfront.

“Community solar is the most inclusive clean energy solution we’ve seen,” says DeAndre Clark, director at Solarize Chicagoland.

Solar for Homeowners: Making Rooftops Work for You

If you own your home in the city, especially in neighborhoods with single-family homes or smaller multi-units, rooftop solar is an excellent opportunity. And it doesn’t require a sprawling suburban lot to make it work.

With a solar contractor’s help, your roof can be assessed for angle, size, shading, and structure to determine its production potential. Even in dense areas with neighboring buildings, clever design and efficient panels can make your rooftop a reliable energy source.

Qualifying for rooftop solar in Chicago comes with rewards. Through the Illinois Shines program, you can receive long-term financial benefits via Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Add in the 30% federal tax credit and net metering with ComEd, and the average solar system becomes a long-term money-saving asset. Installing rooftop solar can also increase your property value, making your home more attractive to future buyers.

Rooftop solar also protects you from rising utility rates. In Chicago, where summer storms and urban outages are increasingly common, pairing panels with battery storage gives homeowners added peace of mind.

“I used to think solar was only for the suburbs—but now my roof is saving me $1,200 a year,” says Jordan Ray, a homeowner in Logan Square.

Chicago’s Solar Equity Push: Clean Energy With Justice in Mind

In a city as diverse and complex as Chicago, access to clean energy can’t be reserved for the privileged few. That’s why equity-focused programs are at the heart of Chicago’s solar expansion.

Community solar projects are specifically designed to provide direct benefits to local communities, often involving nonprofit organizations and public entities to ensure broad participation and impact.

These initiatives foster local partnerships and help deliver economic growth, energy equity, and increased renewable energy adoption for communities, especially those that have been underserved.

Through Solar for All, eligible low-income households can receive free or heavily subsidized solar access, either through community solar subscriptions or fully covered rooftop systems. This includes homes in neighborhoods like Englewood, Austin, Little Village, and more—places historically excluded from green investment.

The program not only reduces energy costs—up to 50% in some cases—but also stimulates job training, community outreach, and long-term environmental justice. The result is a cleaner, more inclusive energy future that reflects the city’s values and uplifts every ZIP code.

“Solar shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a right,” says Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green, a Bronzeville-based nonprofit focused on energy justice.

What to Expect When Installing Solar in Chicago

Big cities are often associated with big red tape, but Chicago has taken major steps to streamline the solar process. Today, the city’s permitting pipeline is significantly faster than in years past, thanks to new efficiencies and close coordination with utility providers like ComEd.

Once you choose a qualified solar installer in Chicago—preferably one with NABCEP certification—they’ll handle everything from structural assessment and design to permitting, interconnection, and post-install inspections. Most rooftop systems are installed within a few days, with timelines ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on permitting and grid coordination.

The entire process has become more accessible and more predictable. For residents, that means less guesswork and faster results.

“Chicago’s permitting game has improved dramatically—it’s way faster than it used to be,” says Laura Nguyen, solar project manager at SunPower IL.

Solar + EV Charging: A Smarter Way to Drive in the City

As electric vehicles become more common in Chicago, pairing rooftop solar with EV charging is gaining popularity. Not only does this reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, but it also significantly cuts your transportation costs.

Some solar companies offer bundled packages that include rooftop solar installation and a Level 2 EV charger, perfect for homes with garages or dedicated parking. With ComEd’s EV rebates, the cost of installing a home charger can also be reduced.

For urban drivers, it’s a powerful combination: zero-emissions transportation powered by the sun above your head—and no more fuel price fluctuations at the pump.

“Driving electric with rooftop solar is the ultimate city flex—it’s sustainable and smart,” says Aisha Monroe, EV driver and solar homeowner in South Shore.

Conclusion: Clean Energy Is a Chicago Story Now

The skyline may still be steel and glass, but the future of Chicago is green. Solar is no longer a fringe idea for eco-enthusiasts—it’s a practical, city-wide solution that’s saving money, creating jobs, and advancing equity. From high-rise renters to bungalow owners, more Chicagoans are realizing they don’t need to leave the city to live sustainably.

Whether it’s community solar, rooftop systems, or equity-driven programs, the sun is rising on clean power in the Windy City. The only question left: are you ready to plug in?

Have you joined a community solar program in Chicago? Installed panels on your roof?

Contact Ellingson Solar Here, to get signed up today!