Thanks to strong state (Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) and federal (Inflation Reduction Act) incentives, the money-saving benefits of solar power have never been more accessible to so many people in Illinois. #1 Want to install panels? Consider the Solar Switch group-buy program CUB and the nonprofit Midwest Renewable Energy…...
What’s the difference between ARES plans and Community Solar?
By Marina Minic, CUB Solar Programs Administrator As we hold hundreds of events across the state, consumers sometimes ask us: What’s the difference between an alternative supplier offer and a relatively new option called Community Solar? The offers can sound deceptively similar, but there are big differences–and you should know…...
CUB releases first-ever Solar Guide: new resource shows IL consumers how to secure clean, affordable energy with solar
This Earth Week, CUB released its first-ever solar guide to help consumers learn more about and navigate their solar energy options in the state. CUB’s Guide to Solar is a free, comprehensive introduction to solar energy for your home. Written in plain, easy-to-understand language, the guide educates consumers on how…...
You’re a community solar customer in Ameren territory? Here’s what’s happening to your bills
By: Marina Minic Solar Programs Coordinator Community solar customers in Ameren territory have seen “bill adjustments.” CUB can explain: If you’re subscribed to community solar, you get a credit on your Ameren bill that corresponds to the amount of solar energy your subscription produced. That credit shows up as a…...
IGS: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer
This is an evaluation of IGS Energy’s community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar factsheet first.) How will signing up for the IGS Energy community solar offer affect my electric bill? IGS Energy will look at your…...
Considering community solar? Follow these shopping tips
Community solar is an exciting program for Illinois consumers who are interested in enjoying the financial benefits of going solar without having to install panels. But you have to do your homework to make the best choice for your home. Compared with volatile fossil fuel prices, solar energy can be…...
Making A Difference: Chicago Symphony bassist helps CUB talk up solar power
It was a hot summer day, and Mark Kraemer was promoting Illinois’ community solar program at a farmers market. “Would you be interested in seeing more clean and renewable energy in Illinois?” asked the friendly, soft-spoken CUB volunteer. “No thank you,” said some, hurrying past. One waved her hand and shook her…...
Solstice: CUB’s evaluation of Solstice’s community solar offer
If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading CUB’s Introduction to Community Solar first. How will signing up for the Solstice community solar offer affect my electric bill? Solstice will look at your annual electricity usage history to determine your community solar subscription size, which is measured in…...
Breaking Down Illinois’ Community Solar Offers
Illinois’ new community solar program allows electricity customers to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on their own homes. Through community solar, you can purchase a portion of the electricity produced by a solar installation—called a community solar garden—and in return receive credits on your electric bill.…...
MC Squared: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer
This post is an evaluation of Chicago-based MC Squared Energy Services (MC 2) community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar first.) How will signing up for the MC Squared community solar offer affect my electric bill? MC…...
