Cook County Currently Accepting Applications for Sun and Save, a Residential Renewable Energy Subsidy Program

Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:00

Cook County Sun and Save program covers 100% of costs associated with solar installation

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the reopening for applications to participate in the Cook County Sun and Save program, an initiative launched in September 2023 by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES). Cook County partnered with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), which is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and 360 Energy Group, to establish this program. 

To date, nearly 30 residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installations have been completed, providing solar at no cost for income-qualified homeowners throughout Cook County. With a goal of installing solar on 120 homes, this program makes solar installations more accessible for eligible Cook County residents. Installing solar helps reduce carbon emissions, utility bills and barriers to clean energy for residents. 

“Reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible is a priority for Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “By lowering the initial barrier to entry by removing solar installation fees, we’re making access to renewable energy more equitable, leading to long-term reduction of both bills and carbon emissions for more County residents.”

The Cook County Sun and Save program is available to households located within Cook County that meet all following requirements:      

Homeowners of single-family and small multi-family residences of four units or less that are located within Cook County.
Homeowner must live inside the home to be considered owner-occupied. For small multi-family homes of four units or less, the property owner must live in one of the units and is required to be the primary applicant for the program.  
Household income of the homeowner must be between 80% and 120% of the  Area Median Income.

The program will run until August 31, 2026, or until funds run out and covers 100% of the costs associated with installing solar PV systems. Applications for the Sun and Save program are reviewed in the order they are received. For questions about a pending application, contact sunandsave@sedac.org.

Cook County is providing funding for the Cook County Sun and Save program through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County allocated over $100 million in ARPA funding to support a clean environment for all and to fight climate change.

For more information and to apply, visit: cookcountyil.gov/sunandsave

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