City of Lake Forest, IL

North Shore Community Solar Program

Overview
The City of Lake Forest, along with five other north shore communities have teamed up with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to launch Illinois' largest municipally sponsored community solar program. The program, made possible by the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, will help residents and small businesses support solar development in Illinois and access guaranteed utility savings.  

What is Community Solar?
A community solar project is a single site solar installation that is shared by multiple consumers (termed “subscribers”).  Each subscriber receives net metering credits for their share of the electricity generated by their community solar installation (termed “net metering credits”). These net metering credits reduce the amount of electricity charged to the subscriber’s account each month to yield cost savings. With community solar, subscribers can reduce their monthly electric bills with solar without installing solar panels on their house or business.

Benefits of Community Solar
A community solar project is a single site solar installation that is shared by multiple consumers (termed “subscribers”).  Each subscriber receives net metering credits for their share of the electricity generated by their community solar installation (termed “net metering credits”). These net metering credits reduce the amount of electricity charged to the subscriber’s account each month to yield cost savings. With community solar, subscribers can reduce their monthly electric bills with solar without installing solar panels on their house or business.

Where do I Sign Up?
You can register now by clicking here. You will need your utility bill handy. You are not obligated to participate by putting your name on the waitlist. The Program’s Billing Administrator, MC Squared Energy Services, LLC, will be handling all of the sign-ups and account administration. Once you have submitted your information, they will contact you when a solar farm is ready. 

How Does Billing work?
It is a two-stage process. After successfully completing the enrollment process, you will receive net metering credits on your monthly utility bill. Then, after you have received your net metering credits from the utility, MC Squared Energy Services, LLC will bill you for a percentage of the net metering credits. You will also be able to see how your participation helps the environment each month!

For more detailed information on billing and for other Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

Nexamp Program
Because the reservation list for the Community Solar Program continues to grow, MC Squared Energy Services LLC will be offering those on the reservation list a chance to subscribe to a Nexamp community solar project. Their industry-leading community solar platform makes community solar an easy option for anyone, offering 20% savings with Solar Energy Credits for Illinois customers. Those on the waiting list will receive an email from Nexamp with an offer to enroll directly in one of their community solar projects. 

Questions?
Email MC Squared Energy Services at NorthShoreCommunitySolar@mc2energyservices.com or, call 833.949.2810. 

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/.

SOLSMART PROGRAM

The City of Lake Forest has participated in the Solsmart program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, which helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy growth and make it easier for homes and businesses to move towards greater solar energy use.

Lake Forest, along with several other municipalities in the Chicago region, also participated in SolSmart, a national designation program recognizing communities for making it faster, easier and more cost-efficient to install and enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Lake Forest completed the SolSmart program in May of 2019 and received a bronze designation level that recognizes the City's commitment to promote solar energy.

Helpful Documents And Links

• Lake Forest Small Solar Installations - A Resident's Checklist
• New Solar Installations on Histroic Properties
• IREC Residential Consumer Checklist
• Google Solar
• February 6, 2019 Lake Forest Community Forum on Solar Energy Video