Community Solar

What is Community Solar?

A community solar project is a single site solar installation shared by multiple subscribers. Community solar allows “subscribers” to receive net metering credits on their electricity bill and support the development of new renewable energy resources without needing to install equipment on their property. 

For rooftop solar initiatives, refer to this webpage.

Join the Waitlist Now - Click Here

How does Community Solar Work?

Community solar projects generate electricity, and that power is delivered into the electric grid of the utility. The community solar project signs up subscribers and each subscriber receives monthly net metering credits based on the size of their subscription, how much the community solar project generates, and the subscriber’s electricity supply arrangement. Each subscription is tied to a specific community solar project. 

Northbrook's membership in the North Shore Electric Aggregation Consortium makes this program possible. The Consortium, made up of 6 communities, partners with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in the state’s largest municipally-sponsored community solar program. The program has commitments from solar developers to supply over 10 megawatts of community solar credits for residents and small businesses. The program has enrolled over three megawatts since launching in November 2020. The six communities themselves purchase community solar credits from the state’s first community solar facility, Rainy Solar, a 1.18 megawatt, 3,700-panel rooftop solar array in Elgin.

What are the Benefits?

When Northbrook residents join a solar array, they will save 10% of the community solar generation credits achieved! Community Solar is an easy way to support clean energy generation located within Illinois. Supporting these types of projects helps reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and support clean energy generation. In addition, you do not have to invest in a solar asset on your rooftop, which may not be right for everybody. You will receive a net metering credit on your monthly ComEd electric utility bill for your share of the generation created by these projects. 

How does Billing Work?

When you join the waitlist and a community solar project becomes available to accept new subscribers, you will be notified by the Program Administrator - mc²  - with an opportunity to enroll. After successfully completing the enrollment process, you will receive the net metering credits on your monthly ComEd electric utility bill for your share of the generation created by your Community Solar project under the utility’s default electricity supply tariff service. 

The net metering credits, based on your subscription, will appear on your monthly utility bill and will be credited against your total electricity utility costs. mc² then bills you for 90% of the net metering credits to your credit card and you save 10%. The program does not have upfront costs and will provide savings if the subscriber follows a few simple steps.

Next Steps

Have you joined the community solar waitlist? When it's your turn to enroll, you will receive an email from MC2 Community Solar <mc2athome@mc2energyservices.com> informing you of your eligibility. This enrollment notice will be customized to your account and will provide a personal savings estimate. After receiving this email, you have five days to enroll before the next person on the list is selected. Click the green "Click Here to Enroll" button to start receiving savings as a subscriber. If you'd like to pass on the offer, click the gray "Click Here to be Removed from the Waitlist" button. 

You may choose a community solar offer from other Approved Vendors. For a complete list of your options, visit https://illinoisshines.com/approved-vendor-info/.

Questions?

Contact MC Squared Energy Services at NorthShoreCommunitySolar@mc2energyservices.com or 833-949-2810.