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 the supply portion of their electricity bill and support the development of new renewable energy resources without needing to install equipment on their property.
The Village of River Forest, along with other Illinois communities, is partnering with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to offer community solar subscriptions through MC Squared Energy Services (MC2). This municipally sponsored community solar program, in contrast to various private programs, has been set up to be transparent with guaranteed savings and without any fees or cancellation penalties.
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 who receive monthly net metering credits on the supply portion of their electric bill for their portion of the solar power generated each calendar month. Each subscription is tied to a specific community solar project.
What are the Benefits?
Subscribers will save 10% of the community solar credits on the supply portion of their electricity bill. Community Solar is also an easy way to support clean energy generation in Illinois. Supporting these types of projects helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support clean energy generation. In addition, you do not have to invest in solar panels on your rooftop, which may not be right for everybody.
How Does Billing Work?
When you join the reservation list and a community solar project becomes available to accept new subscribers, you will be notified by the Program Administrator - MC Squared (MC2) - with an opportunity to enroll. After successfully completing the enrollment process, you will receive the net metering credits on the supply portion of your monthly ComEd electric utility bill for your share of the generation created by your Community Solar project. MC2 then bills you for 90% of the net metering credits to your credit card as the community solar subscription fee and you save 10%. Note that delivery and other charges separate from electricity supply will remain the same on your ComEd bill.
The program does not have upfront costs and you can cancel at any time with no termination fees.
How Do I Sign Up?
Click here to join the reservation list and get more information to frequently asked questions on the MC2 website. MC2 will then contact you with more information on the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar project once enrollment opens.
You will need your ComEd bill handy. You are not obligating yourself to participate by putting your name on the reservation list. Subscribers are enrolled on a first come, first served basis. MC2 will be handling the enrollment process and account administration.
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/.
Click here to join the reservation list and for more FAQs.