I see the end of full retail net metering in Illinois as both a challenge and an opportunity. It changes the financial dynamics for new solar customers but also drives the need for innovation, like battery storage and smart inverters, to maximize energy use and grid resilience. At Maintown Solar, we're committed to guiding customers through this transition with solutions that leverage new incentives such as the Smart Inverter Rebate Program and Energy Storage Rebates. While full net metering is ending, our dedication to a clean energy future remains strong, ensuring solar continues to be a wise investment. #SolarEnergy #NetMetering #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyStorage #SmartInverters #Sustainability #GreenTech #SolarInnovation #EnergyResilience #IllinoisSolar #SolarRebates #FutureOfEnergy #MaintownSolar #CleanEnergyTransition
Illinois is phasing out its full retail net metering program as part of its transition toward renewable energy. Under net metering, solar customers were credited for excess energy at the retail rate, offering significant savings. However, once 5% of a utility’s energy comes from solar, the program ends for new customers. Ameren has reached this threshold, and ComEd will soon follow. Key Changes:- Net Billing: New customers will be credited at a lower, wholesale rate for excess energy, reducing financial returns. Smart Inverter Rebate: A rebate program encourages the installation of smart inverters to manage energy flow, offsetting some losses from the end of net metering. SRECs: Illinois Shines continues to offer Solar Renewable Energy Credits to help offset installation costs. Time-of-Use Pricing: Some utilities may introduce rates based on demand, benefiting customers who generate solar power during peak periods. Existing Solar Customers Are Grandfathered Customers who have already installed solar systems before their utility reached the 5% solar threshold will be "grandfathered" into the existing net metering program. They will continue to receive full retail rate credits for their excess energy for up to 15 years, providing significant savings and maintaining the strong financial benefits of early solar adoption. #IllinoisSolar #NetMetering #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #EnergySavings #SustainableFuture #SmartInverter #SolarRebates #ClimateAction #SolarIncentives #GreenEnergy #SolarGrowth