The Obama Foundation signs on as anchor tenant to Reactivate’s Illinois community solar installations

The Obama Foundation is teaming up with Illinois solar developer Reactivate on community solar projects built under the Illinois Solar for All program (ILSFA), a state program that helps low-income households access solar power. The Foundation will act as the "anchor tenant," agreeing to buy a share of the power these installations produce over a long-term contract. That purchase helps offset electricity use at the Obama Presidential Center, which opened this year.

An anchor tenant's job is to give a community solar project financial stability by committing to at least 10% of its capacity (up to a cap of 40%). That backing makes it easier for the project to also serve nearby residents. If you rent or own a home in Illinois and your household income is at or below 80% of the area median income, you may be able to sign up for one of these projects without paying installation or sign-up fees, and subscribers are guaranteed savings of 50% on the cost of the energy their subscription produces.

The ILSFA program, running since 2019, sets aside funding specifically for low-income solar access, covering home installations, nonprofit and public buildings, and community solar. Reactivate currently has three approved community solar projects in Illinois totaling 3.275 megawatts. The next application window for the community solar portion of the program opens September 28 through October 9, 2026, which could matter if you're looking to sign up for a project in your area once new capacity becomes available.