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Net Metering Changes in Illinois for 2025

Starting January 1st, 2025, Illinois net metering regulations will change.  Learn how these changes can affect your solar system and how Ailey Solar can help you maximize your solar savings.  

CHANGE TO NET METERING IN ILLINOIS 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will implement new net metering rules affecting residential and commercial solar installations. These changes will apply only to systems installed after this date, leaving existing systems unaffected.

Net metering allows solar owners to receive credit for excess energy they generate, which they can use later when their panels aren’t producing energy. It’s essential because it balances energy production and consumption, effectively using the grid as a battery for solar owners.

Currently, Illinois energy bills are divided into three parts: Supply, Delivery, and Taxes & Fees. Under the current rules, solar owners receive a 1:1 credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy they send to the grid, allowing them to draw an equivalent kWh later without additional cost.

However, under the new net metering rules (NEM2.0), only the supply portion of the bill will be credited. This means solar owners will still pay for Delivery and Taxes & Fees when they draw energy from the grid, even if they sent excess energy earlier.

While this change reduces compensation for excess energy, there are benefits. Systems installed after January 1, 2025, will qualify for a Distributed Generation (DG) rebate, which helps offset the reduced value of net metering. This rebate typically represents about 10% of the total solar system cost, or about 8-10 years worth of lost net metering revenue.  Combined with the 30% federal tax credit and Illinois Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), most homeowners will  see incentives cover around 70% of their system cost…meaning solar is likely to be a highly profitable investment even with reduced net metering.  

Additionally, new technologies like grid-tied batteries are becoming popular in areas with similar net metering changes, such as California. These batteries store excess energy for nighttime use, allowing solar owners to bypass the grid and retain full energy value.

If you’re considering solar for your home or business, it’s crucial to work with an experienced provider who can guide you through how NEM2.0 will impact your investment.


Don’t wait to harness the power of the sun! Whether you’re looking to install before or after the net metering changes, Ailey Solar has the expertise to ensure you get the most value from your system. As the longest-serving solar provider in Chicagoland, our team will help you navigate the new regulations, maximize incentives, and design a system tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a consultation and take the next step toward energy independence.

Please contact us at….

[email protected]

www.aileysolar.com

(773) 492-1294



Important Note*

All information in this article is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge.  Please contact your utility provider to confirm all information prior to making any decisions regarding the viability of a solar system.  



Further Reading

Citizen Utility Board:

 CUB Q&A: What’s happening to solar power in Illinois in 2025?  | Citizens Utility Board

 

Illinois Solar For All: Net-Metering-Changes-in-Illinois-–-Frequently-Asked-Questions-for-Participants.pdf (illinoissfa.com)