About GSM Solar
GSM Solar is a guide to home solar for Ameren Illinois homes in the Metro East and southern Illinois. We explain net metering, Illinois Shines, power purchase agreements and what belongs in your contract, in plain words. Every number on the site shows its source and the day we checked it. Tap a number to see both.
We are not a utility or a government agency, and we are not affiliated with Ameren Illinois. Illinois Shines is a state program that provides an incentive for solar projects. We don't run it, and we don't act for the state.
What we do, and what we don't
We don't install solar. A licensed installer designs, permits and installs your system. We work with more than one installer, so we match your home with the one that fits it best.
You see the name of every company involved before you sign anything. The Illinois Shines Disclosure Form lists you, the project owner, the Approved Vendor and the installer, with contact details.
Where we work
We help homes in the Ameren Illinois service territory, in the Metro East and southern Illinois. Our service area is a set of ZIP codes across Alexander, Clay, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Washington, White and Williamson counties.
Some towns run their own electric utility, and co-ops serve some rural homes. We can only help homes on Ameren Illinois. Our pages for Madison, St. Clair, Monroe and Williamson counties name the co-ops and city utilities we could confirm from their own pages.
What happens when you message us
You tap the chat button and leave your name and number. We call you for a short talk about your bill and your home, with no pressure. If your home fits, we sit down with you at your home and go through the numbers on paper. Then you decide. Nothing happens unless you sign, and no is a fine answer.
You need to own the home. Is my home a fit for solar? covers the rest of what decides it.
The Illinois Shines rules set the order from there. You sign the Disclosure Form before the contract, and the agent must go through the whole form with you and take your questions. You can take whatever time you need to shop around and understand the contract. After you sign, you have three or more calendar days to cancel, for systems of 25 kW or less.
What we won't do
We won't promise what solar will do to your bill. No one can know that before your contract is written. We won't tell you your utility bill goes away, because it doesn't: you stay a utility customer. We don't post reviews or quotes from customers.
And we won't rush you. The Illinois Power Agency's homeowner handout calls pressure to sign before you understand the offer a red flag. We agree.
How we check our pages
How we check what we publish shows how our pages are made and how we source and date each number. The data page lists every number we use and where it came from. Our guides show when we last checked them and list their sources at the end.
Contact us
Have a question, or think a number is wrong? Message us, call (618) 702-5355, or email luke@gottashowmesolar.com.
If any solar company treats you badly, the Disclosure Form names who to tell: the Illinois Shines Program Administrator, and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for deceptive sales.