For a limited time, the EAC is partnering with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to offer BN Grow Solar 2025, a group solar program for homeowners in Bloomington, Normal, McLean County, and DeWitt County.
What is group solar?
Better known as a group-buy program, group solar reduces the cost of solar panels using the power of buying in bulk. A group of individuals interested in solar will come together to buy solar panels in bulk, and therefore lower the rates for everyone involved. The more people sign up for a group-buy program, the more everyone in the program will save, and the higher the purchasing power of everyone in the group.
The cost savings inherent in a group-buy program make solar more accessible to residents who previously may not have had the financial resources to invest in solar. This discount will also be on top of government incentives to further reduce the price.
How does the program work?
Residents interested in the program can sign up for a free site assessment from StraightUp Solar here: https://www.growsolar.org/bn/. StraightUp Solar will respond within the week to schedule this assessment. StraightUp Solar will also provide a free energy audit, performed by the EAC, to identify any pre-existing energy efficiency issues in your home.
Once this assessment is complete, you will receive a proposal and a contract. The deadline to sign this contract is September 5th. The reason for this short timeline is because of the removal of the federal solar tax credit at the end of the year. This timeline will ensure all homes will be eligible for the tax credit before it is eliminated.
Your array will then be constructed before the end of the year, and monthly energy savings and clean energy will be all yours!
How long do I have to sign up?
Interested residents should schedule a site assessment or sign a contract before September 5, 2025.
This will ensure your system is still eligible for the federal tax credit.
What if my roof isn’t suitable for solar?
Sign up for community solar! More information is available here: https://bnenergybright.org/current-community-solar-offerings/
Where else can I learn about the program?
Visit the Grow Solar BN website at https://www.growsolar.org/bn/, or attend a Solar Power Hour! The schedule for these Power Hours is provided on Grow Solar’s website and the EAC’s website, under the Green Events calendar.
Questions about the program can be directed to Michael Bay, [email protected], or 309-454-3169 x15
Questions about the technical and financial aspects of solar can be directed to Shannon Fulton, [email protected], or 844-232-0180.