The City of Longmont, Colorado, has launched a new community solar program, Iluminar Community Solar, powered by solar panels at the Longmont Waste Services building.
About 30 Longmont Power & Communications electric customers will take part in this initial project, gaining access to solar energy without having to install panels on their roofs. That means their share of Iluminar’s electricity will provide enough clean renewable energy to cover their home’s monthly electric usage, the public power city said.
Half of the Iluminar participants will come from the Longmont CAReS program, which provides utility bill rebates for income-qualified households in need. The CAReS customers will receive a 20% discount on their electric bill, paid for by a 20% monthly premium from the other Iluminar participants.
Even after adding a premium, subscribing to Iluminar can still be cheaper than the cost of installing rooftop solar panels while also allowing customers to help a neighbor and support local renewable energy, the city noted.
“Community solar is exactly that – a way to help our community through locally-generated renewable power,” said Darrell Hahn, LPC’s director of electric services, who joined in a recent celebration of the new program. “This lets more Longmont homes enjoy the benefits of solar even if they can’t install it themselves. And it means that some households who need a little extra help can get it.”
A second Iluminar project will debut in early 2026, providing power to the Ascent at Hover Crossing affordable housing development in partnership with Longmont Housing Authority .
