In a sense, yes. Every month you pay ComEd or Ameren Illinois for power you'll never own, at rates that can keep climbing. If your roof gets qualifying sunlight (good orientation, little shade), solar can take over part of that monthly spend, so you pay toward a system that makes your own power instead of renting it. Extra solar you send to the grid earns net metering credits that don't expire, and qualifying systems can get the one-time $300 per kW smart-inverter rebate. We'll check your roof's sun and your bill to see if it pencils out for your home.

ComEd and Ameren Illinois each offer a one-time distributed generation rebate of $300 per kW of nameplate capacity for residential customers whose solar system connects through a qualifying smart inverter. Batteries paired with solar may also qualify at $300 per kWh. The rebate is paid to the system owner after interconnection. Program terms, eligibility and future rate changes apply. Ameren's current tariff lists $300/kW through Dec. 31, 2029.

For residential systems that started net metering on or after January 1, 2025, extra solar energy you send to the grid earns credits against the supply portion of your bill (Ameren also credits transmission). Those credits carry over and don't expire. Delivery charges aren't offset by exported energy, so sizing your system to your real usage, and capturing the $300/kW rebate, matters more than ever.

Not for systems you buy yourself. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. With a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), the third-party owner may still claim a federal business credit, subject to its own deadlines, and may pass some value on through pricing. We'll show owned and third-party options side by side. This isn't tax advice; check with a tax professional.

Illinois Shines (the Adjustable Block Program) is the state program that pays for the renewable energy credits (RECs) your system generates. Payments go through an Approved Vendor, often your installer, and how they're passed on to you varies. Recent Illinois legislation changed how REC payments are scheduled for new residential projects, so it's worth comparing how each installer handles them.

Yes. Our free Second Look Audit compares your quoted system size, price per watt, rebate and Illinois Shines handling, and financing terms against what a fair Illinois deal looks like. If something looks off, you'll know before you're locked in. Check the Second Look box in step 3 of the form.

Yes, the savings breakdown and Second Look are free, with no obligation. CompareQuote and its installer partners may reach out about your request. A local Illinois solar advisor will walk you through your options, and you can opt out anytime.