New to Solar? Here’s What Changed in Illinois Net Metering—and Why It Still Makes Sense to Go Solar
If you’ve been hearing about “net metering changes” or “Illinois solar incentives” lately and have no idea what any of it means—you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down.
This post will walk you through:
- What net metering is (in plain English)
- What changed in January 2025
- What it means if you’re already a solar customer—or thinking about becoming one
- Why solar and battery storage are still smart moves in Illinois
No jargon. No pressure. Just the facts.
What Is Illinois Net Metering?
If you’ve been hearing about “net metering changes” or “Illinois net metering” lately and have no idea what any of it means—you’re not alone.
Net metering is how homeowners with solar panels get credit for the extra electricity their system produces.
Here’s how it works:
- Your solar panels make energy during the day.
- Sometimes they make more than your home needs at that moment.
- That extra energy goes back to the power grid.
- In return, your utility company gives you credits on your electric bill.
It’s kind of like your meter running backward. The more extra energy you give back, the more credits you earn to lower your monthly bill.
So What Exactly Changed?
Starting January 1, 2025 new Ameren Illinois solar customers still earn a full-value credit for every surplus kilowatt-hour, but that credit now only wipes out the supply and transmission pieces of the bill—delivery fees and taxes no longer shrink.
Ok, But What Are “Supply” and “Transmission”?
Supply is simply the price of the electricity itself. Transmission is the fee for carrying that power over long-distance, high-voltage lines to your local grid. Wondering how that differs from delivery fees? Delivery pays for the neighborhood poles, wires, maintenance, and customer service that bring the power the last mile to your home.
What If I Already Have Solar?
Good news: you’re locked in for up to 30 years on full retail-rate net metering.
If your solar system was approved before the end of 2024, you’re still getting the full, retail-rate net metering for the lifetime of your system. That means your credits cover your whole bill, just like they always have.
So if you're already a solar customer, nothing's changing for you.
What About People Going Solar Now?
If you're just now considering solar, you might be wondering: “Did I miss my chance to save?”
Not at all. Even though Illinois net metering changes went into effect in 2025, there are still great reasons to go solar in Illinois—and two big incentives that can help make it affordable.
Illinois Shines: A State Program That Pays YOU!
Illinois Shines helps homeowners go solar by paying you for producing clean energy. It does this through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
Here’s how it works:
- When you install solar, your system is expected to produce a certain amount of energy over time.
- For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours your system produces, you earn 1 SREC.
- The state pays you for those credits—either upfront or in annual payments, depending on the size of your system.
This program helps offset the cost of your solar installation and works alongside net metering. Net metering lowers your monthly electric bill, while Illinois Shines gives you extra income for producing clean energy.
Want to learn more? We wrote a full blog breaking down how Illinois Shines works.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit Still Applies
You may also be eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which gives you back 30% of your total system cost through a tax credit.
That includes:
- Your solar panels
- Installation
- Equipment
- Even battery storage (if installed with solar)
Just one thing to note—some lawmakers are pushing to end this credit early, possibly by the end of 2025. If you want the full benefit, now is the time to act.
Want to learn more? Read more about the federal tax credit here.