Elgin to offer community solar program - no rooftop panels required

Elgin residents will soon be able to take advantage of solar power without installing panels on their roofs.

A new city-sponsored community solar program will allow residents and business owners to receive credits on their ComEd accounts that will reduce the energy supply charges on their monthly bill and result in about $100 per year in savings. Those interested can sign up at cityofelgin.org/communitysolar.

Elgin Sustainability Analyst Mikala Larson said the program is good for both the environment and consumers.

"The program is a win-win," she said. "I encourage our residents and small businesses to reserve their subscription today so they can begin saving on their bills, and as an added bonus, their subscriptions will also help support Illinois solar development."

Subscriptions will be offered to Elgin residents and small businesses on a rolling basis. There is a two-year contract with the program that can be cancelled at any time with 60 days notice with no termination fees.

After enrolling, customers will receive net metering credits from a regional community solar farm on their ComEd bill. After receiving the credits, customers will receive a second bill from MC Squared Energy Services LLC. for 80% of the value of the credits.

The city said work is underway to consolidate the bills and improve that process.

All power is still delivered by ComEd. MC Squared Energy Services feeds their solar power into the ComEd grid.

"This program is yet another positive initiative in Elgin's long history of supporting renewable energy," Mayor David Kaptain said in a news release. "The community solar program offers an equitable opportunity for our residents and small businesses to realize the cost savings and environmental benefits that solar energy provides."