Going solar in Illinois is now more accessible than ever. If you want to lower your energy bills without a large upfront investment, a residential solar lease in Illinois can give you predictable monthly payments and reliable solar energy from day one.
As electricity costs rise in Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory,* a lease is one Illinois solar financing option that helps homeowners go solar to lock in their energy rate, reduce utility expenses, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier community–all while partnering with a company trusted in Illinois for nearly 20 years.
StraightUp Solar has served thousands of Illinois homeowners with expert installation, ongoing service, and a commitment to long-term care. When you choose a solar lease with us, you’re choosing stability, transparency, and a local team that stands behind your system for decades.
*At this time, our solar lease is only available in Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory.
Choosing a solar lease gives you access to a fully installed solar energy system for a fixed monthly payment. You enjoy the benefits of solar production from your roof or property, with installation and maintenance included.
A solar lease may be right for you if you want to:
Be aware that with a lease you essentially apply the project’s solar incentives to the lease owner in exchange for a low, fixed monthly lease payment. In Illinois, this means you, as the homeowner, would not receive Illinois solar incentives, such as solar renewable energy credits (sRECs) or other rebate programs that may be available. Many homeowners feel this is a fair tradeoff. Compare whether you want to purchase or lease solar panels in our blog post.
Our solar lease option gives you access to predictable solar energy with no large upfront expense. Here’s how it works.
StraightUp Solar does not own your solar panels if you choose a lease option, but we are the team who installs and cares for them long-term. That means you always know exactly who will be at your home if service is needed.
Solar leases haven’t always had the best reputation in Illinois. Some unqualified companies sold leases quickly, installed poorly, then disappeared–leaving homeowners without support when problems arose.
StraightUp Solar is in it for the long haul. With our transparent, education-first approach, we walk you through the lease and solar installation details carefully–no surprises, no rushed decisions. You’ll have all the information you need to make an informed solar decision.
A solar lease is a powerful way to improve affordability, but it is still a contract. Before signing, make sure your installer and lease provider offer transparency, accountability, and long-term support.
Many solar leases are arranged by national finance companies who outsource solar installation. Make sure the team on your roof is qualified, experienced, and accountable. StraightUp Solar’s crews include NABCEP-certified installers and licensed electricians.
This may sound technical, but this little number could make a big impact if ignored. Leases usually include an annual payment increase (0 – 2%). Check that your annual escalator rate is less than the projected average annual electricity rate increase. In Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory, electricity rates are expected to annually rise 4%, on average, over the next 30 years.
Your system is only as strong as the team that builds and maintains it. Some leases contract service to a third-party installer. Make sure you understand which local company will come to your home and whether they know your system’s design and energy production history for appropriate repairs. Knowledge of your system is critical to its optimal production. StraightUp Solar handles all maintenance on the systems we install.
A good solar lease should offer the option to purchase the system, typically around year six or seven. System ownership can increase the value of your home by capturing the full equity benefit of the solar PV system and simplifies home sales.
All solar modules degrade slightly over time. Ask for the annual degradation percentage of your solar panels as well as the estimated annual production in year 10 and 25. Make sure your payments align with your expected energy output. Significantly lower production means less solar energy is available to offset your electricity bill costs. If this is the case, it wouldn’t make financial sense to have increasing monthly payments alongside a higher utility bill. StraightUp Solar ensures you understand projected performance and system value over the full life of your lease.
Most homeowners see immediate savings on their electricity bills thanks to reduced utility costs and predictable monthly lease payments.
Yes. Illinois homeowners who choose a solar lease still receive net metering benefits from their utility, just like a system owner.
In most leases, incentives go to the system owner, which is the financing company. This helps keep your monthly payments affordable.
Most residential solar leases in Illinois are 20–25 years, aligned with a system’s typical production lifespan (though solar can continue to produce energy beyond this).
Yes. Many homeowners purchase their system around year 6–7, but you may also have options at the end of the lease.
Your lease can typically be transferred to the new homeowner, or you may buy the system before selling. StraightUp Solar can help guide this process.
While a lease provides an affordable option to reduce energy bills immediately, there’s a few things you’ll need to know compared to other financing options. You do not own the system during the lease even though it’s installed on your Illinois home or property. In addition, you do not receive solar incentives associated with the system. Those go to the system owner, which is the lease company in this case. However, you avoid repair costs, upfront payments, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.
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