Rooftop solar is coming to more low- and moderate-income Evanston households next year thanks to the city’s Accessible Solar program. 

The city announced last month that it’s looking for a contractor to install solar panels on at least 20 Evanston homes. Bids are due Oct. 14, and a contract should be awarded by early next year, with projects scheduled for completion by the end of September 2026. 

The city’s sustainability and resilience staff will manage the application process and identify potential participants. Then, the contractor will determine whether a building meets the technical requirements for rooftop solar and follow through with design, installation and activation of the system. Eligible properties can include up to four units, but must be individually owned and owner-occupied.