Illinois introducing “Smart Solar Billing” in 2025

Exciting news for Illinois residents! Starting January 1, 2025, Smart Solar Billing will make its debut, ushering in a new era for solar customers in the state.

Anyone already benefiting from solar energy is considered “legacy” customers and will continue to enjoy the same net metering benefits for as long as their systems are active. Plus, Ameren, the local energy provider, customers can expand their solar systems by up to 100% and still keep their “legacy” net metering benefits for any system expansions.

Sara Birmingham, VP of state affairs for Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), emphasizes the industry’s commitment to keeping consumers informed:

“The solar industry is committed to educating households about how Smart Solar Billing will impact them. While the new system will result in a slightly smaller monthly benefit, customers who invest in solar energy will continue to receive significant energy bill savings.”

One of the notable changes with Smart Solar Billing is that energy credits from any surplus power you generate will now count towards the supply portion of your energy bill instead of applying to the total bill as it does now. This means that while your monthly bill credits might be slightly lower, you can still enjoy the perks of going solar. Notably, these bill credits will roll over year after year and last for the entire lifespan of your installation!

As always, there are fantastic upfront discounts available for solar installations, making it easier than ever for consumers to invest in renewable energy. The current Distributed Generation Rebate is in place for all solar systems, and if the system is paired with battery storage, the Storage Rebate also applies. Both of these rebates offer $300 per kilowatt of capacity. For example, a 10 kW solar system paired with 10 kW-hours of battery storage, incurs a hefty $6,000 rebate, plus additional federal and state incentives. Extra incentives for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) via the Illinois Shines program might also apply!

Legacy customers will continue to enjoy the full net metering reimbursement rate as long as their systems are in place. New customers can also qualify for supply-only net metering if they complete the necessary applications before the deadline of 5 p.m. CT on December 31, 2024.

However, with the growing demand for solar installations, there may be challenges, including permitting delays and potential supply chain issues. New customers who can't meet the deadline — along with everyone else going solar in 2025 and beyond — will automatically be enrolled in Smart Solar Billing. That’s why it's crucial for residential customers to confirm timelines with their installers and ensure they’re getting accurate estimates.

Lesley McCain, executive director of the Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association, sums it up beautifully:

“It is a great time to go solar. The monthly savings Smart Solar Billing will continue to provide — in addition to significant rebates from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and tax breaks from the Federal Inflation Reduction Act — greatly lower the barrier to entry for individuals to invest in solar power and storage. This is an exciting time to join the clean energy economy and be a part of helping the environment.”

With all these changes on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to embrace solar energy in Illinois. Let’s make a positive impact together!

Read the full article here.