Nautilus Solar Energy® is excited to announce its community solar expansion into Illinois, which was ranked 4th for community solar operating capacity in 2024. This marks an important step in our mission to make clean, affordable solar energy accessible to all. Households and businesses across Illinois will soon have a new, sustainable energy option that benefits both the environment and their wallets.  

 What is Illinois Community Solar? 

Introduced in 2017 through the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), the Illinois community solar program was formally established with the intention of making solar energy more accessible for everyone, regardless of income. In 2018, the Illinois community solar program officially commenced, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to a share of energy generated by solar farms. In return, subscribers receive energy credits on their electricity bills with a solar discount of 10% (or more) applied to the credits received from the share of a solar farm. 

This game-changing program provides affordable solar options for those who want to embrace renewable energy but cannot afford the upfront costs or installation of traditional rooftop solar panels. In fact, there is no roof needed; those who rent or live in apartment complexes can benefit too! If you have an electric bill, chances are you qualify.  

Nautilus is honored to be one of a handful of providers operating community solar farms for residents and businesses across the state from Chicago to Peoria and beyond. 

Learn more about Illinois community solar programs through Illinois Shines. 

How Do Nautilus Community Solar Projects Benefit Residents and Businesses? 

1. Cost Savings  

One of the primary advantages of community solar in Illinois is the financial savings on monthly electric bills. By subscribing to one of our solar farms, customers receive credits on their utility bills based on their share of solar energy produced. This results in monthly electricity savings of 10% or more on this energy—a valuable benefit in today’s rising energy market. Check out how much you could save with community solar this year. 

1. Positive Environmental Impact 

Subscribing to a community solar program in Illinois contributes to society’s reduced reliance on fossil fuels, which is the largest contributor to climate change. Community solar also diversifies the energy sources used by communities, allowing utilities to flex electricity from various sources depending on the supply and demand available. This supports the development of local renewable energy and are far more than just rows of solar panels. They are also used for developing pollinator gardens, solar grazing, and more! 

1. Job Creation and Economic Growth 

As solar projects are brought to life, they provide numerous employment opportunities, from construction and installation to long-term maintenance and operations. By developing these projects, we’re investing in Illinois’ energy economy and supporting a sustainable workforce in the renewable energy sector. 

Illinois Has a Bright Future in Community Solar 

As we gear up to power the Prairie State, the benefits for homes and businesses are clear: the ability to contribute to local renewable energy while saving some money each month, not spending more. Nautilus is bringing over 100 MW of new solar capacity to Illinois in 2025 and it’s clear that a new era of equitable energy savings in Illinois energy is dawning. 

Whether you're a homeowner looking for a solar discount or a business striving for sustainability, we invite you to join us in shaping a more sustainable future. 

Find out if Nautilus Community Solar has a solar farm in your area.