Residential Solar Energy Installation Program

Cook County Sun and Save

Cook County has allocated $3 million to establish the Cook County Sun and Save program, a residential solar energy installation program. This initiative led by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at no cost for income-qualified residences and homeowners in Cook County. 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. 

Cook County has partnered with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) to administer the Cook County Sun and Save program. 

The program is available to households located within Cook County that meet all the 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.

For more details about eligibility and how to apply, visit SEDAC's website here.

For general program questions, email sunandsave@sedac.org  

The program will run until August 31, 2026, or until funds run out. 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.