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Solar PPA for Illinois Homeowners

Affordable Solar Energy With No Upfront Cost

Going solar in Illinois is no longer limited to homeowners who can pay upfront or take on a loan. An Illinois residential solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) opens the door to supporting clean energy by giving you a simple, low-friction way to access solar power. With this option, you can go solar without owning the equipment and without changing your financial strategy.

Instead of purchasing panels, you pay only for the electricity the system on your roof produces–with no upfront costs, no equipment to manage, and no maintenance worries. This structure helps homeowners control rising energy rates in Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory,* and in many cases you may pay less than what you currently pay your utility.

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*At this time, our solar PPA is only available in Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory.

WHAT IS A
Residential Solar Power Purchase Agreement?

A solar PPA is an agreement where a homeowner has a solar system installed on their roof, but does not own the equipment. Instead of paying for the solar PV system, they purchase only the electricity the solar system produces—usually at a lower cost than utility rates. 

Despite monthly solar production variances, the homeowner pays the PPA company the same amount each month based on the system’s estimated annual production averaged over 12 months.

Payments only increase once per year based on the escalation rate outlined in your agreement. The escalation rate is often less than predicted annual utility rate increases.

The PPA company is responsible for installation, monitoring, maintenance, and capturing available incentives.

If you do want to own your panels down the road, your PPA includes a buyout option.

Who is a PPA Ideal For?

A PPA may be a strong fit if you:

  • Prefer no upfront cost solar
  • Want to lower electricity bills 
  • Want to avoid future utility rate increases
  • Don’t want to manage system maintenance
  • Don’t mind not owning the equipment
  • Want an environmentally responsible choice
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Residential Solar PPA in Illinois | Happy New Solar Owner and StraightUp Solar Install Crew in Front of Solar Panels

HOW A
Residential Solar PPA Works

Here’s the basic step-by-step flow of a power purchase agreement.

  • StraightUp Solar designs and installs a premium solar system on your home.
  • A third-party system owner funds the project and owns the equipment.
  • You sign a 25-year agreement to buy the power your system generates at a predictable rate.
  • You save on utility bills while the system owner manages ongoing service and earns available incentives.
  • It’s simple, predictable, and budget-friendly—without the responsibilities of owning a solar system.

WHO DOES WHAT?
Your PPA Team

Person Icon

You (Illinois Homeowner)

  • Buys solar energy at a lower rate than utility charges
  • Enjoys lower utility bills
  • Avoids ownership responsibilities
  • May choose to buyout your system after a set number of years
Icon: PPA Company is the System Owner When You Choose a Residential PPA in Illinois

The PPA Company (System Owner)

  • Collects your monthly payments
  • Owns the equipment
  • Pays for installation
  • Captures all available incentives (typical for PPA’s)
  • Manages required service
Solar Array Icon

StraightUp Solar (Your Installer)

  • Designs and installs your solar system
  • Ensures a code-compliant, high-quality installation
  • Supports the system owner with professional service when contracted

StraightUp Solar does NOT own your solar panels if you choose a solar PPA option, but we are the team who installs them and may be selected by the PPA company to do service work as needed. 

WHY CHOOSE A PPA WITH
StraightUp Solar?

Your Local Solar Experts for 20 Years Strong

Even though we’re not the system owner in a PPA model, you still benefit from choosing a trusted, experienced local installer.

  • 20 Years of Local Solar Experience: We’ve been rewriting the energy story of Illinois and Missouri since 2006 — with more than 3,000+ solar projects installed across the region.
  • Highly Trained Installation Team: Nearly half of our team members carry NABCEP certifications—among the highest credentials in the solar industry.
  • Values-driven B Corp Committed to Community Impact: We believe solar should be accessible, affordable, and beneficial to the communities we serve.
  • Local People, Local Projects: Our team lives and works in the same Illinois communities where we install solar systems.
  • High-quality Solar Equipment: You receive a professionally engineered system built to power your home reliably for decades.
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"Highly recommend StraightUp Solar for all of your solar power needs. Patient, kind, friendly, informative, knowledgeable, the list goes on. The project turned out great and we can’t wait to see the impact it makes!"
Corrinne S.Argenta, Illinois Homeowner
"Great communication throughout the process & superb workmanship & professionalism by the install crew. Our utility company was VERY satisfied & remarked to me that, "this is one of the companies we look forward to working with"."
Randy P.Camp Point, Illinois Homeowner
"I've had solar arrays installed at two locations in McLean County by StraightUp Solar. I had a great experience with the entire StraightUp Solar team. From initial design and cost analysis through installation, there were no surprises... Clean installations that are aesthetically pleasing. StraightUp has local crews and an office in Central Illinois. Having a company like StraightUp to support the product after installation is the most important factor in deciding who to buy from."
Eric M.Normal, Illinois Homeowner
"Jake (rep) and Charles (project manager) were outstanding with leading me through the installation process and quickly answering all my questions. Every member of the team emphasized and followed the StraightUp Values shared with me during the initial overview of the purchase and installation proposal. My sincere thanks to all involved for a great product and an enjoyable process. I couldn't be more satisfied and happy with my decision to choose StraightUp 🌞"
Scott K.Lexington, Illinois Homeowner
"The people at StraightUp [Solar] have made each and every step in this process so easy and stress free for us. We can honestly recommend StraightUp Solar to anyone who considers going solar."
Rainer G.Normal, Illinois Homeowner
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Is a Solar PPA Different From a Solar Lease?

Though there are differences, they function similarly for the customer. We’re here to help you understand the key similarities and differences.

Similarities:
  • With both PPAs and leases, a third party owns the system
  • With both PPAs and leases, your payment is the same month over month
  • With both PPAs and leases, your payments may increase year over year in accordance with the escalation rate outlined in your agreement
  • With both PPAs and leases, service is handled by the PPA/lease company
  • With both PPAs and leases, the customer may be given the option to purchase the system several years into the agreement, at which point the homeowner takes on financial responsibility for service
Differences:
  • With a PPA, the monthly payment is based on the estimated annual solar production of your system averaged out over 12 months
  • With a standard lease, the monthly payment is based on your total project cost, regardless of energy production
  • With a prepaid lease, you make an initial upfront payment and may make delayed monthly payments

Our Solar Project Developers can help you compare all your available financing options so you can make a confident, informed choice. Reach out to get started on a free, custom quote.

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Is a Solar PPA Right for Your Illinois Home?

A solar PPA offers a flexible and affordable way to enjoy solar energy without the upfront cost. It’s ideal for homeowners who want to lock in utility rates, reduce energy bills, and be free of maintenance responsibilities.

If you’re in Ameren Illinois or ComEd territory, a PPA may be the simplest path to solar savings.

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Q&A: Illinois Residential Solar PPA

Yes. Our residential PPA is available in Ameren Illinois and ComEd territory for qualifying homes.

Our PPA offers a 25-year term — designed to provide long-term energy stability.

PPAs are typically transferable to the next homeowner, subject to standard qualification steps.

Yes. Your power purchase agreement sets the rate you will pay for the solar power generated at the home.

No. The system owner receives all incentives. These incentives help lower your PPA rate.

With a solar PPA, the system owner is responsible for maintenance and service needs throughout the agreement term. Many homeowners prefer this hassle free approach. 

It depends on your needs. A PPA offers no upfront cost and immediately lowers your electricity rate. A loan, lease, or cash purchase offers ownership benefits, but may require an upfront payment for the system. Our team can help compare financing options. 

See Our Solar Smiles

"The installation process was so incredibly easy. I couldn’t believe when I was asking questions it seemed like every answer was, “we take care of that.” When the team got here they were amazing… The people that were doing the job believed in what they were doing… Working with this company was just really a great experience all the way around."
Julie D.Waterloo, Illinois Homeowner
"I come from a long line of coal miners, my brother even used to work at a coal mine. I would love to see these jobs converted over to alternative energy. I think this is a great opportunity for us as homeowners and business owners to gain control of our energy costs rather than be at the mercy of the utility."
Greg T.Carterville, Illinois Homeowner
"The people at StraightUp [Solar] have made each and every step in this process so easy and stress free for us. We can honestly recommend StraightUp Solar to anyone who considers going solar."
Rainer G.Normal, Illinois Homeowner
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