FAQ
ASKED QUESTION
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you’ll find answers to all your questions about solar energy—installation, costs, maintenance, and more. We’re committed to helping you make the switch to clean, renewable energy with confidence. If you need additional help, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Q: How do I save money on my electric bill?
Subscribers purchase the bill credits from their subscription at up to 20% savings over ComEd’s rate. While GEJC can’t guarantee savings, we DO guarantee that you’ll never be charged higher rates than ComEd.
Q: Can I join if I'm not a low-income household?
Yes! We offer different membership tiers to ensure everyone can participate while maintaining our focus on serving low- to moderate-income communities.
Q: I’m a renter or live in an apartment, can I still qualify?
Yes! No solar panels have to be installed on your home, so anyone can sign up.
ASKED QUESTION
Membership Questions
Q: What is a cooperative and why did you choose this model?
A cooperative is a member-owned and democratically controlled organization. We chose this model because it ensures that the benefits of clean energy directly serve our community members, who have full voting rights and shared ownership in our projects.
Q: What's the difference between a membership and a solar subscription?
Membership makes you a part-owner of the cooperative with voting rights and profit-sharing benefits. Solar subscription is a separate program that allows members to receive credits on their electric bills. You must be a member to subscribe to solar, but membership alone doesn’t automatically enroll you in a solar subscription.
Q: Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. Your membership fee is refundable if you choose to cancel your membership with the cooperative.
Q: How many people from my household need to join?
Only one person per household needs to become a member (the “owner-member”) to enable the household to participate in solar subscription.
ASKED QUESTION
Membership Questions
Q: What is a cooperative and why did you choose this model?
A cooperative is a member-owned and democratically controlled organization. We chose this model because it ensures that the benefits of clean energy directly serve our community members, who have full voting rights and shared ownership in our projects.
Q: What's the difference between a membership and a solar subscription?
Membership makes you a part-owner of the cooperative with voting rights and profit-sharing benefits. Solar subscription is a separate program that allows members to receive credits on their electric bills. You must be a member to subscribe to solar, but membership alone doesn’t automatically enroll you in a solar subscription.
Q: Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. Your membership fee is refundable if you choose to cancel your membership with the cooperative.
Q: How many people from my household need to join?
Only one person per household needs to become a member (the “owner-member”) to enable the household to participate in solar subscription.
ASKED QUESTION
Solar Subscription Questions
Q: Do I need to install solar panels on my roof?
No. Our community solar project means you don’t need any installations on your property. The solar panels are installed at a central location, and you receive the benefits through your existing electric bill.
Q: How much can I save on my electric bill?
Savings vary based on your energy usage and subscription size, but all members receive their bill credits at a discount compared to regular utility rates. We’ll provide specific savings estimates before you subscribe.
Q: What happens if I move?
You can take your solar subscription with you as long as you remain in the project service territory and keep your utility account with ComEd. Just notify us of your new address.
Q: Is there a long-term commitment for solar subscription?
There is no long-term commitment! You can cancel your subscription at any time with 90 days notice.
Q: How are the profits shared?
The cooperative distributes profits to members according to their participation in our programs, as determined by member vote. This ensures benefits flow directly back to our community.