Net metering for renewable energy Ameren Illinois electric customers will change effective Jan. 1, 2025, because of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Full retail net metering won't be available to customers interconnecting solar systems to the grid after Dec. 31, 2024.
Technically, Ameren states, "to guarantee utility review prior to the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline, all required documentation, including Witness Testing, must be received by Ameren Illinois no later than 5 p.m. Central Time on Dec. 13, 2024."
Now, this doesn't mean there won't be any solar incentives from the utility to install a solar system. Customers with approved solar systems installed and certified after Dec. 31, 2024, will be eligible to receive energy supply credits for the extra energy they send back to the grid. It just won't be as much as was available with net metering.
Existing Ameren Illinois solar customers will NOT see any changes to their net metering. If you receive net metering benefits before Dec. 31, 2024, for your solar system, you will NOT be affected by the changes in 2025.
So with this type of change, what should Ameren Illinois electric homeowners do if a solar system is of interest to you and you currently don't have any panels installed?
4 Recommendations for Ameren Illinois Electric Residential Customers Considering Solar
1. Get a Free Solar Quote
In light of a change like this, it's good to know your options before it's too late.
Even if you're very on the fence about installing a solar system, get a quote to see how much power you can generate and how much money you can save on your electric bill. Through our installer network, we offer free solar designs, so you can see where the panels can go, how many you'll need, how much power you can expect to generate, and money you can save.
2. Consider Your Solar System Size
You don't have to install a solar system that will cover all your electric needs before Dec. 13, 2024, to get full net metering benefits.
As long as you aren't increasing the size of the system by 100 percent in the future, you can add to your system after Dec. 13, 2024, and still receive net metering benefits from the larger array.
3. View Your Home as a Whole
Let's say you have a traditional heating and cooling system right now. That means your heat comes from a fossil fuel source, like natural gas or propane, and your cooling comes from a standard A/C unit. Will either of these systems need to be replaced in the next five to ten years?
If so, you'll want to account for that in your solar design.
If you switch your home to all-electric (and we recommend you do), then you'll need to account for the additional electrical load heating and cooling will require. A heat pump powered by electricity will save you money in the long run, but if you were previously using fossil fuel to power the system, then you will see an increase in your home's electric needs.
4. Work with a Quality Local Solar Installer
We strongly recommend going with a personally verified local installer; a company that is based in your area with a list of people you can contact to recommend their work.
If you submit the form below for a free solar design, we share your contact information with two to three known, local installers with good reputations.
What we look for in a local solar installer:
- NABCEP certification or active pursuit of it
- DG certification through the Illinois Commerce Commission
- Number of successful installations and interconnection agreements
- ISEA membership
Solar Installation Timeline and Solar Incentives for Illinois Homeowners
If you're ready to move forward after connecting with two to three local installers and receiving solar designs from each, installing solar is straightforward.
Each installer should provide you with a solar design and quote, including panel, racking, and inverter brands, the layout of the array, and any additional needs/fees. They should also be able to explain approximately how much you'll get back from the federal residential solar energy credit and the Illinois Shines Program, which provides incentives for solar projects by purchasing Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
Once you've decided which installer to move forward with, they'll likely require a signed proposal or contract. After that's signed, they'll pull appropriate permits, and send you relevant paperwork for the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
Installation takes three to five days on average. After that, an Ameren Electric representative comes out for Witness Testing. Then, the federal tax credit will be part of your next tax return and SREC approval with money back in the form of a check usually comes 12 to 18 months after the system is completely set up.
We recommend taking advantage of a free solar design and quote as soon as possible. Many installers recommend committing to installation by October at the latest to make sure you can get scheduled for installation in time.
Get a Free Solar Quote