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Solar Energy Blog

Real data, real rates, and straight talk about solar in Illinois. No fluff — just what you need to make a smart decision.

guide6 min read

ComEd Is 1.5¢/kWh More Than Ameren in 2026 — Full Rate Breakdown

ComEd averages ~17¢/kWh, Ameren Illinois ~15.5¢/kWh. See the full 2026 breakdown: supply charges, delivery fees, summer spikes, and how much it costs per month.

Ryan CookApr 4, 2026Read
analysis7 min read

Illinois Electricity Rates 2026: What's Coming This Summer (And How to Prepare)

Illinois electricity rates are up 47-94% since 2021 — and another spike hits June 2026. Here's exactly what's driving it and how to protect your household.

Ryan CookApr 4, 2026Read
analysis7 min read

The Iran War Is Sending Oil Prices Through the Roof — Will Your Illinois Electric Bill Follow?

Oil is at $112/barrel after the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Here's how the Iran conflict could push Illinois electricity rates even higher — and what you can do now.

Ryan CookApr 4, 2026Read
analysis4 min read

Why Your Ameren Bill Keeps Going Up (and What MISO Has to Do With It)

Ameren bills jumped 18-22% last summer and another increase is coming. Here's why MISO capacity auctions are driving your rates up and what you can do about it.

Ryan CookMar 30, 2026Read
guide4 min read

The Real Cost of Solar Panels in Illinois: 2026 Breakdown

What do solar panels actually cost in Illinois in 2026? Real numbers for cash purchase, lease, and Solar for All — from an installer who gets prices below the state average.

Ryan CookMar 30, 2026Read
guide4 min read

What Happens to Your Solar Panels When You Sell Your House in Illinois

Selling a house with solar panels or a lease in Illinois? Here's how the transfer works, what buyers actually think, and why it's not the problem most people expect.

Ryan CookMar 30, 2026Read
analysis6 min read

Solar Lease vs Buying Panels: I Did the Math for Illinois

Should you lease or buy solar panels in Illinois? I broke down the real numbers for both paths using current 2026 prices, incentives, and Ameren/ComEd rates.

Ryan CookMar 30, 2026Read
analysis7 min read

Data Centers = 70% of Illinois's Rate Spike (Here's What It Costs You)

Data centers drove 70% of Illinois's capacity-cost spike in 2026. See the PJM/MISO mechanism, the per-household cost impact, and what to do to protect your bill.

Ryan CookMar 19, 2026Read
news5 min read

ComEd Bills Are About to Spike Again — June 2026 Brings Another Record Capacity Cost

ComEd capacity costs just hit another record — $329/MW-day starting June 2026. Here's what it means for your bill and what you can do about it.

Ryan CookMar 18, 2026Read
analysis4 min read

Illinois Electricity Rates Have Nearly Doubled Since 2021 — Here's What That Means for Your Bill

Illinois electricity rates have surged 90%+ since 2021. Here's what's driving the increases, what to expect next, and how to protect your household.

Ryan CookMar 18, 2026Read
guide7 min read

Illinois Solar Incentives 2026: 7 Programs Worth $12,000-$18,000+

$12,000-$18,000+ in Illinois solar incentives for 2026: Illinois Shines RECs, DG rebate ($300/kW), battery rebate, Solar for All (ILSFA), property tax exemption.

Ryan CookMar 18, 2026Read
guide6 min read

Solar Battery Backup in Illinois — What It Actually Powers and Whether It's Worth It

What does a solar battery actually run during an outage? How much does it cost with the $300/kWh rebate? Here's the honest breakdown for Illinois homeowners.

Ryan CookMar 18, 2026Read

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Lease, cash, or Solar for All — we find the right fit for your home

Illinois electricity rates are climbing every year. The best time to go solar is now.