Net Metering in Illinoise: Selling Your Solar Back to the Grid

Net Metering in Illinois

Illinois is shining bright with opportunities for homeowners and businesses to tap into solar energy. With favorable policies and incentives, going solar here is not just a possibility, but a wise economic decision.

Net metering serves as a billing mechanism that rewards solar energy system owners with credits for the electricity they contribute to the grid. These credits provide significant savings on future energy bills and make Illinois an attractive location for solar installations.

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about selling your electricity back to the grid in Illinois, including How Comeds Net metering works, and

Can You Sell Electricity Back to the Grid in Illinois?

Yes, you can sell your electricity back to the grid in Illinois when your solar system is over-producing electricity, this happens when your solar system is producing more electricity than the home is consuming. The state of Illinois provides a 1:1 credit for the electricity that is sent to their grid.

Selling your electricity back to the grid in Illinois can be compared to the process of roll-over minutes for mobile phones. This allows you to go solar without needing to add the additional expense of a battery. 

This also allows homeowners to go solar in an affordable manner. You can read more about the cost of solar in Illinois in this article.

Selling Electricity to the Grid for SRECS

Solar Renewable Energy Credits or SRECs are also provided to homeowners who choose to go solar, this is an additional benefit and financial incentive on top of the credits you received for net metering.

For every megawatt-hour of solar energy your panels generate and contribute to the grid, you earn one Renewable Energy Credit (REC). These RECs can be sold at rates determined by the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Power Agency.

However, the value of SRECS can change from month to money like stocks on the stock market and it is best to make sure you are selling at the most beneficial time.

How to Sell Solar Energy Back to the Grid

There are no special steps you need to take on your end to sell your electricity back to the grid in Ifor the net metering credits, once your solar system is installed, the Net Meter" will automatically track your excess production and consumption.

However, for SRECS, you will need to register your solar system with e 

Changes to Net Metering in Illinois

Adjustments to the state's net metering policies have encouraged discussion among solar users. These changes are designed to expand access to solar energy and support the renewable sector's sustainable growth.

However, once the state of Illinois has reached its green energy portfolio requirements, you will usually see companies like ComEd and Ameren change their net metering policies from a 1:1 credit to a lower ratio. These changes help to taper off the adoption of solar installations once the state's quota has been met.

This is one of the reasons why it is important to go solar as soon as possible and see if your home qualifies for a free solar installation. You can get a free quote here.

Understanding the Net Metering Cap

Illinois regulates the amount of solar energy that qualifies for net metering through a cap. This cap is in place to balance the solar energy contribution to the grid and maintain the grid's integrity. Knowing how much solar capacity is allowed under the cap is essential for anyone planning to install solar panels.

The net metering cap also refers to the amount of energy you are allowed to oversize your system during the design phase over your energy needs from the last year.

For example, if you used 10,000 kWh of energy over the last year, the net metering cap stipulates that you are allowed to have your solar system designed with 200% of the required energy or up to (20,000 KWh), this allows you to account for the future energy needs of your home.

Eligibility and Requirements for Net Metering

Qualifying for net metering in Illinois means meeting specific criteria, including limitations on system size and adherence to technical specifications. Homeowners must comprehend these requirements to ensure eligibility for net metering and the accompanying financial advantages.

These net metering requirements are put in place by the utility and can change from time to time as the utility company sees fit since it is their grid and infrastructure,

however, it is best to allow the solar company you are working with to make sure your solar system meets the specifications to avoid too much back and forth with the utility company.

How Does Net Metering Work with Comed?

Once you qualify to have your system installed you will usually receive a "Net Meter" from ComEd which tracks not only the electricity that comes from the grid, but the electricity that is sent to the grid. This allows ComEd to keep track of the credits you have accumulated and you will see those credits on your ComEd bill as they accrue.

ComEd also does a "True Up' after the April or October billing cycle, depending on the billing cycle you have opted for. A True-up is when the ComEd does a reconciliation and credits you for the electricity you have not used or bills you for any usage over the system's production.

Net Metering with Ameren in Illinois

Ameren Illinois, a major electricity provider in the state, offers a net metering program that gives solar users one-to-one credits on their electric bills for the excess generation sent back to the grid. This beneficial policy is part of what makes solar energy economically viable in Illinois.

Ameren, just like other major utility providers in Illinois, provides 1:1 credit for any electricity sent to their grid, this allows you to go solar without the need for an expensive battery to hold the excess electricity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Illinois offers a promising landscape for solar energy, with net metering policies providing significant savings on energy bills. We've covered key aspects, from ComEd's net metering to the advantages of selling electricity back to the grid, including the lucrative Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).

With the potential shift in policies once Illinois meets its green energy goals, now is an opportune time to explore solar options. If you're considering solar power for your home, start by understanding your energy needs and checking out some of the best solar companies in Illinois here.