Top Takeaways:
Net Metering was replaced by an Export Credit in 2025
Storage customers may apply for a Battery Rebate
Supply-Only Export Crediting
1-to-1 net metering in ComEd & Ameren utilities closed on January 1, 2025.
New solar system installations will receive a supply credit for any solar not immediately consumed in the home, and thus exported to the grid. The export credit value will be at the current month’s energy supply and transmission rates also known as the ‘Price to Compare.’
The average Price to Compare in 2024 in ComEd was 6.4 cents per kWh, and 8.2 cents per kWh in Ameren. For the summer month's of 2025, it has increased to 10 cents in ComEd and 12 cents in Ameren. (source: Plugin.Illinois.Gov).
Energy Storage Rebate
LightReach's solar customers with an eligible energy storage system may optionally apply for an Energy Storage Rebate from ComEd and Ameren. Enrolling in an eligible Hourly Pricing (Time-of-Use) rate is required for the life of the storage system.
Supply-Only Export Credit
How does it work?
First, solar production powers loads in the home avoiding the need to purchase electricity at the utility’s retail rate
Retail Rate = The same price per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh) the utility charges you today
Electricity consumed from the grid (e.g. night and cloudy days) will continue to be charged the utility’s retail rate
Excess solar production not used inside the home is exported to the grid. The utility provides a bill credit at the current month’s supply and transmission rates, which is called the Price to Compare
Energy storage devices, if installed with your solar system, will first store excess solar production for use later in the home avoiding purchases from the utility at the retail rate
What charges from my Electric Utility Bill are included in the Export Credit?
Electric Supply rates, which is the Price to Compare
What’s charged on grid consumption?
Electric Supply
Electric Delivery
State and Local Taxes and Other Mandated Charges
What does a Utility Bill look like with an Export Credit?
ComEd's Bill Explainers for Customers Interconnected as of 1/1/2025
Energy Storage Rebate
In 2025, there's a new Energy Storage Rebate that LightReach customers may apply for themselves and receive directly from the incentive program. If you choose to fill out the application and meet program requirements, then the incentive money will be paid from the utility to you!
There are two other incentive programs in Illinois. As the system owner, Palmetto LightReach applies for and receives the Illinois Adjustable Block Program and the Distributed Generation Rebate. These incentives help keep your Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) rate down.
LightReach customers may optionally apply for and receive the Illinois Energy Storage Rebate funds.
Customers should submit the application after the system is installed, and ComEd/Ameren issues Permission to Operate (PTO).
Eligibility Requirements
Have energy storage installed with your solar system
Standalone storage without solar does not qualify
Enroll in ComEd or Ameren's Hourly Pricing (Time-of-Use) rates for the life of the energy storage system
Agree to abide by all Program Terms & Conditions for the life of the system
Submit the application
Energy Storage Rebate Value
As of January 2025, the Energy Storage Rebate for residential customers is $300 per kWh of storage nameplate capacity.
For example, two Tesla Powerwall 3’s connected with a new or existing solar system is eligible for an estimated $8,100.
($300 * 13.5 kWh storage capacity per unit * 2 batteries)
Battery Provider | Model | Nameplate Capacity | Estimated Rebate per unit |
Tesla | Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $4,050 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 3T | 3.5 kWh | $1,050 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 5P | 5.0 kWh | $1,500 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 10T | 10.5 kWh | $3,150 |
SolarEdge | Home Battery 10k | 9.7 kWh | $2,910 |
Schneider | Boost - BAT10K1 | 10.56 kWh | $3,168 |