Solar in Elgin

Community Solar

Elgin residents and small businesses have the option to participate in a city-sponsored community solar program, called Community Solar Clearinghouse Solutions (CS2). Learn more by visiting our Community Solar Program webpage.


SolSmart

The City of Elgin is a participant 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 go solar. In 2019, Elgin achieved the Silver SolSmart designation.

sun shining on solar panels installed on a roof


Rooftop Solar Permit Process

If you’re interested in installing solar panels on your home and not sure where to begin, below are several informational resources that might help you during the decision making process:

Are solar panels really worth it?
Go solar: top 10 benefits of solar energy
Residential solar panels: what to know about home solar electricity in 2020
Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Is my roof a good candidate?
Solar energy: what you need to know

Once you decide you want to install solar panels on your home, please read about the City of Elgin’s solar permitting process and the necessary steps you must take to ensure compliance with city code. To learn more about the residential rooftop solar permitting process, please click here.

Note: Commercial properties adhere to different fee schedules than residential projects. The commercial solar permit fee is $70/1000sf of solar panels plus a $75 plan review fee.


Go Solar!

Go Solar button Opens in new windowClick here to learn about going solar and to shop for installers.

These resources are for residents and businesses who are looking to verify that they are using a certified, trusted installer.


Solar Rights

The Great Plains Institute conducted a review of state policies related to solar rights in the Local Government Solar Toolkit. Please click here to access the Local Government Solar Toolkit.


Consumer Protection Resources

The links below range from basic residential consumer resources, to resources on land leasing for larger landowners.


Solar Potential

Check out these helpful links below to discover Elgin’s Solar Energy Potential.

Grow Solar Chicagoland

The Sustainability Commission partnered with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to host two Solar Power Hours in 2022. You can view a recording from the MREA about the Grow Solar program. The webinar covers a presentation on solar energy, and topics include an overview of the technology, a deep dive into the financials, and information on what makes a property suitable for installation. 

  • View the recording by clicking this link, then clicking "Watch Recorded Webinar."