News • Guides • Analysis

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.

guide9 min read

How to Compare Solar Quotes in Illinois: 8 Lines on the State Disclosure Form That Do the Work for You

Every Illinois Shines quote comes with the same state disclosure form. Here are the 8 lines to compare, the lease math, and the old tax-credit claim to ignore.

Ryan Cook • Nov 5, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Solar Panels on a Metal Roof in Illinois: No Holes on Standing Seam, a Roof That Outlasts the Lease, and the Snow Plan to Ask For

Yes, solar works on a metal roof. Standing seam takes clamps with no holes; corrugated needs sealed mounts. The Illinois lease, warranty and snow math.

Ryan Cook • Nov 3, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Can Solar Panels Run a Heat Pump in Illinois? Only With Summer Credits, and Here's the Math

Solar can cover an Illinois heat pump over a year, not in January. Month-by-month Chicago math, how summer credits carry winter, and the ComEd rate to ask for.

Ryan Cook • Nov 2, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Do Solar Panels Cause Roof Leaks? The Illinois Warranty Line to Check Before You Sign

Solar panels don't leak. Bad mounts do. The roof-leak warranty line on your Illinois Shines disclosure form, ice dams, and what to do in the first 48 hours.

Ryan Cook • Nov 1, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Do You Need a Panel Upgrade for Solar in Illinois? The 40-Amp Rule, the $4,000–$6,000 Service Upgrade, and Cheaper Fixes

Most Illinois homes with 200-amp panels don't need an upgrade for solar. 100-amp homes often do. The 120% rule math, real costs, and the cheaper fixes.

Ryan Cook • Oct 31, 2026Read
guide10 min read

How to Lower Your Electric Bill This Winter in Illinois: 7 Moves Ranked by Real 2026 Dollars

Winter savings on an Illinois electric bill start with your rate, not your light bulbs. Seven moves for Ameren and ComEd homes, ranked by estimated dollars.

Ryan Cook • Oct 30, 2026Read
guide12 min read

Which Way Should Solar Panels Face in Illinois? East and West Roofs Make About 80% of South, North About 55%

South is best, but an Illinois east or west roof still makes about 80% as much power and southwest about 94%. PVWatts estimates from Chicago to Belleville.

Ryan Cook • Oct 29, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Solar on an Illinois Co-op or City Utility in 2026: Your 25 kW Right, the Insurance Rule That Ended, and the Lease Catch

If a co-op or city utility powers your Illinois home, a 2026 law guarantees solar up to 25 kW and ends the insurance demand. Credits and lease access vary.

Ryan Cook • Oct 28, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Illinois Heat Pump Rebates 2026: ComEd Takes Up to $2,000 Off, Ameren $900, and the $8,000 State Rebate Isn't Open Yet

ComEd's 2026 heat pump discount runs up to $900–$2,000 by size and efficiency. Ameren's is $900. The 25C tax credit is gone, and Illinois HEAR still isn't open.

Ryan Cook • Oct 27, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Illinois SREC Prices 2026-27: $70–$81 per REC, Plus a $20 Owner Adder

Illinois pays $70.37 (Ameren) or $80.77 (ComEd) per solar REC in 2026-27, plus $20 if you own the system. Here's what an 8 kW system earns and when it's paid.

Ryan Cook • Oct 26, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Solar Panel Payback Period in Illinois: 6½–9 Years in 2026

An 8 kW solar system bought for cash in Illinois pays back in about 6½ to 9 years in 2026, counting Illinois Shines, the $300/kW rebate and today's rates.

Ryan Cook • Oct 25, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Behind on Your Ameren Illinois Bill? The Catch-Up Payment Drops From 25% to 10% on December 1

Ameren Illinois wants 25% of a past-due balance to start a payment plan until Nov 30, then 10% from Dec 1. Plus four Ameren programs that can cut what you owe.

Ryan Cook • Oct 24, 2026Read
news8 min read

ComEd's $3 Billion Data Center Hookup Bill: Who Pays the $2 Billion Gap?

Testimony in ICC Docket 26-0364 says ComEd's data center hookups need $3B+ in upgrades, with deposits covering under 25%. What it means for your bill.

Ryan Cook • Oct 23, 2026Read
news8 min read

Why ComEd Bills Go Up in November 2026: The New 3.758¢ Charge

ComEd's Purchased Electricity Adjustment flips from a 1.551¢ credit to a 3.758¢ charge for November 2026. What it adds on 750 kWh, and who doesn't pay it.

Ryan Cook • Oct 22, 2026Read
news9 min read

FERC Rejected PJM's Data Center Fix. Can Illinois's POWER Act Protect Your Bill?

FERC rejected most of PJM's data center plan on Oct 9, 2026, leaving it to states. What Illinois's POWER Act would change for ComEd and Ameren bills, and when.

Ryan Cook • Oct 21, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Illinois Solar Tax Credit 2026: There Isn't One. Here's What Pays Instead

Illinois has no state solar tax credit in 2026, and the 30% federal credit ended for owned systems. What pays instead: a $300/kW rebate, RECs and a tax break.

Ryan Cook • Oct 19, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Illinois Solar Rebate 2026: ComEd and Ameren Pay $300 per kW. Who Gets the Check, and What You Give Up

Illinois' solar rebate pays $300 per kW from ComEd or Ameren through 2029, about $1,800 on a 6 kW system. Who gets it on a lease, and what older systems lose.

Ryan Cook • Oct 18, 2026Read
news10 min read

Nicor Gas Rate Settlement Approved: The $15 Customer Charge Starts Nov. 16, but Winter Bills Still Rise

Regulators cut $139M from Nicor's gas rate request Oct. 15. The fixed charge falls to $15 on Nov. 16, but per-therm costs rise. Who pays more this winter.

Ryan Cook • Oct 17, 2026Read
news10 min read

ComEd's Battery Rebate Changes October 19: No Hourly-Rate Rule, and Batteries Without Solar Qualify in 2027

ComEd's revised rebate starts Oct. 19, 2026: the $300/kWh home battery rebate drops the hourly-rate rule, and batteries without solar qualify Jan. 1, 2027.

Ryan Cook • Oct 16, 2026Read
guide10 min read

How Long Do Solar Panels Last in Illinois? 25 to 35 Years, Still Making About 89% at Year 25

Solar panels last 25 to 35 years, per the DOE. Illinois Shines assumes a 0.5% yearly loss, so year 25 still makes about 89%. What aging costs and the real risk.

Ryan Cook • Oct 15, 2026Read
guide13 min read

Is a Heat Pump Cheaper Than Propane in Illinois? Yes, by an Estimated $125 to $470 a Year

Illinois propane averaged $1.83 a gallon on Oct. 5. At 2026 Ameren and ComEd rates, a heat pump heats for far less. The math, and Ameren's propane-switch help.

Ryan Cook • Oct 14, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Roof Too Shaded for Solar in Illinois? The State's 2× Tree Test and the Dollar Math

Too shaded for solar? Illinois Shines' test: no tree closer than 2× the height it rises above your panels. What shade costs per year and who owns the tree.

Ryan Cook • Oct 13, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Why Is My Solar Loan Bigger Than the Cash Price? A '1.99%' Loan Can Really Cost 4.4%

A solar loan's principal can run 10–30% above the cash price because of a dealer fee. The Illinois math, what a 1.99% rate really costs, and what to ask first.

Ryan Cook • Oct 12, 2026Read
guide9 min read

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need in Illinois? About 15, Town by Town

The average Illinois home needs about 15 solar panels (400 W, ~6 kW). Town-by-town PVWatts output, what your usage and roof direction change, and the math.

Ryan Cook • Oct 11, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Does Ameren or ComEd Pay for Spoiled Food After a Power Outage? What Illinois Law Actually Covers

Illinois law makes Ameren and ComEd pay for spoiled food only after big 4+ hour outages, with waivers for unpreventable storms. The thresholds and claim forms.

Ryan Cook • Oct 10, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Solar Farm Lease Rates in Illinois (2026): Farm Managers Report $1,000 to $2,999 an Acre

Illinois farm managers saw $1,000 to $2,999 an acre for new solar and wind leases in 2026, versus $227 to $384 cash rent. What the law protects, what to check.

Ryan Cook • Oct 9, 2026Read
analysis10 min read

Cheapest Electricity in Chicago? No Year-Long Supplier Plan Beats ComEd's 10.103¢ (October 2026)

On Oct. 8, 2026, none of the 28 year-long fixed plans posted for ComEd customers beat ComEd's 10.103¢ price. What's cheapest in Chicago and when to switch.

Ryan Cook • Oct 8, 2026Read
news11 min read

Will Illinois Heating Bills Be Higher This Winter? Gas Down About 10%, Electric Heat Up About 3% (2026–27 Forecast)

EIA's Oct. 6 outlook: Midwest gas-heated homes should spend about 10% less this winter and electric-heat homes about 3% more. What it means on Illinois bills.

Ryan Cook • Oct 7, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Why Is My ComEd Bill So High? 7 Things to Check First (October 2026)

ComEd's price fell to 10.103¢ on Oct 1, but the nuclear credit on your bill shrank from 1.628¢ to about 0.1¢. Seven ComEd bill lines to check, in order.

Ryan Cook • Oct 6, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Why Is My Ameren Bill So High? 7 Things to Check First (October 2026)

Ameren's supply price is 10.441¢ through May 2027, up 24% from last fall, and 259 of 260 town power deals cost more. Seven bill lines to check, in order.

Ryan Cook • Oct 5, 2026Read
guide13 min read

Generator or Home Battery for an Illinois Winter Outage? A 22 kW Generator Burns About $33 to $53 of Gas a Day

A 22 kW standby generator burns about 57 therms a day at half load, roughly $33 to $53 on Illinois gas rates. When a battery beats it, and when it doesn't.

Ryan Cook • Oct 3, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Best Time to Go Solar in Illinois: Winter Is About 18% of Your Output. Spring Is 28%.

In Illinois, Dec–Feb makes only about 18% of a year's solar output; March–May makes about 28%. Here's what waiting until spring costs at today's rates.

Ryan Cook • Oct 2, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Snow on Your Solar Panels in Illinois: Leave It There. Here's What It Actually Costs You

Snow costs Illinois solar owners less than they think: published estimates run 1% to 12% of a year's output. Why you shouldn't climb up to clear it, by region.

Ryan Cook • Oct 1, 2026Read
analysis10 min read

Base Power Illinois Review (October 2026): The $95 Battery, 7.4–7.6¢ Supply, and the 3.48¢ Solar Catch

Base Power's $95 battery prices ComEd supply at 7.4–7.6¢ from Oct 1. I read its Illinois contracts: a 12-year term, no aggregation, and a 3.48¢ solar credit.

Ryan Cook • Sep 30, 2026Read
news8 min read

Ameren's Winter Electric Rate Is Up 24% From Last Year: October 2026 Prices Are 10.441¢ (Ameren) and 10.103¢ (ComEd)

Ameren's price is 10.441¢/kWh from Oct 1, 2026, up 24% from last winter's 8.402¢. ComEd's is 10.103¢, up 4%. Supply cost by usage, 10-year history, next steps.

Ryan Cook • Sep 28, 2026Read
guide15 min read

Is a Heat Pump Cheaper Than Gas in Illinois? Only If You Drop the Gas Bill — the 2026 Math for Nicor, Peoples Gas and Ameren

Per unit of heat, gas still beats a heat pump in every Illinois gas territory. The savings show up only when you close the gas account. 2026 math by utility.

Ryan Cook • Sep 26, 2026Read
guide12 min read

What It Costs to Charge an EV at Home in Illinois This Winter: About $49 a Month on ComEd, $32 to $45 on Ameren

Charging an EV 1,000 miles a month costs an estimated $49 on ComEd and $32 to $45 on Ameren this winter, vs about $157 in gas. Rates, programs, and the math.

Ryan Cook • Sep 25, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Heat With Electricity on ComEd? One Line on Your Bill Can Halve Your Delivery Rate — and What Electric Heat Costs This Winter

ComEd's electric space heat class pays 3.215¢/kWh for delivery, not 6.333¢. How to check your bill, who qualifies, and what electric heat costs on Ameren.

Ryan Cook • Sep 24, 2026Read
guide12 min read

Average Electric Bill in Illinois (2026): What ComEd and Ameren Homes Really Pay, and What Moves October 1

Illinois' average home used 693 kWh and paid $110 a month in 2024. At 2026 rates that usage runs an estimated $136 on ComEd and $147 on Ameren. Tables by usage.

Ryan Cook • Sep 23, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value in Illinois? What Zillow, Berkeley Lab and Fannie Mae Actually Say (2026)

Owned solar sold for 4.1% more in Zillow's study and about $4 per watt in Berkeley Lab's. Leased panels count for $0 on a Fannie Mae appraisal. Illinois rules.

Ryan Cook • Sep 22, 2026Read
analysis12 min read

Why Peoria Electric Bills Keep Rising (2026): Ameren Delivery, a 13.29¢ City Supply Deal, and the October 1 Reset

Peoria pays Ameren 7.811¢/kWh for summer delivery plus supply: 11.326¢ from Ameren or 13.29¢ in the city deal through June 2027. What resets October 1.

Ryan Cook • Sep 21, 2026Read
analysis10 min read

Is Ameren Power Smart Pricing Worth It in 2026? Last October Averaged 3.5¢, but One Peak Hour Can Erase the Savings

Ameren's hourly prices averaged 3.50¢ last October vs a 7.310¢ standard rate, but hourly customers pay transmission on peak-hour kW. Who wins, with real data.

Ryan Cook • Sep 19, 2026Read
guide13 min read

Naperville Solar in 2026: The City Runs Its Own Utility, the $1,750 Rebate Is Spent, and Credits Pay 4.9¢ If You Oversize

Naperville isn't ComEd. The city utility charges 11.968¢/kWh plus $21.52 a month, its $1,750 solar rebate ran out June 26, 2026, and extra credits pay 4.9¢.

Ryan Cook • Sep 18, 2026Read
guide12 min read

How Big a Battery Do You Need to Run a House in Illinois? A Sizing Guide With Real 2026 Numbers

The average Illinois home uses about 23 kWh a day. How to size a home battery for one night, a full day, or whole-home backup, and what each costs after rebate.

Ryan Cook • Sep 17, 2026Read
guide13 min read

Your Ameren Illinois Bill Explained (2026): Every Line, the Real Price Per kWh, and What Resets October 1

Ameren Illinois supply is 11.326¢/kWh through Sept 30, 2026, plus 7.811¢/kWh summer delivery and $14.51 in fixed charges. Every bill line, with 2027 rates.

Ryan Cook • Sep 16, 2026Read
analysis11 min read

Is Homefield Energy Cheaper Than Ameren? 245 of 260 Illinois Town Power Deals Cost More Than the Utility Rate

As of Sept 15, 2026, 245 of 260 priced town aggregation deals in Ameren Illinois territory cost more than Ameren's 11.326¢ rate. Find your town, then opt out.

Ryan Cook • Sep 15, 2026Read
guide8 min read

ComEd's Delivery Charge Is 6.333¢/kWh Now — The Full 2026 Breakdown, and the Part Solar Can't Touch

ComEd's residential delivery charge moved to 6.333¢/kWh plus $19.37 in fixed monthly charges with April 2026 bills. Every line item, a worked example, and what solar offsets.

Ryan Cook • Sep 2, 2026Read
analysis8 min read

Yes, There's a Solar Surcharge on Your Illinois Electric Bill — Here's Who Gets the Money

A commentary running in Illinois papers says you fund solar farms through bill surcharges. It's true — and homeowners can get on the receiving side of the fund.

Ryan Cook • Sep 1, 2026Read
analysis9 min read

Did Your Electric Rate Really Go Up Again? Every ComEd and Ameren Increase Since 2021, Dated

Every ComEd and Ameren Illinois rate increase since 2021, with dates, docket numbers and figures, plus the changes already scheduled for late 2026 and 2027.

Ryan Cook • Aug 31, 2026Read
news7 min read

Illinois Bought 600 MW of Grid Batteries (It Wanted 1,038) — When Does Your Bill Feel It?

Illinois' first CRGA battery buy closed Sept 1: 600 MW awarded of a 1,038 MW target, five projects, four in Ameren country. The honest timeline for your bill.

Ryan Cook • Aug 30, 2026Read
guide7 min read

Your Illinois Solar Output Falls About 45% by December — Here's the Month-by-Month Curve

Illinois solar output falls roughly 45% from August to December. Here's the real month-by-month curve for Ameren and ComEd homes — and how to tell normal from broken.

Ryan Cook • Aug 28, 2026Read
guide10 min read

A Squirrel Under Your Solar Panels Can Chew Through a Wire in a Weekend — and Homeowners Insurance Usually Won't Pay

Squirrels and birds nest in the gap under Illinois solar panels. Standard homeowners policies exclude the damage. What a critter guard costs and who pays.

Ryan Cook • Aug 27, 2026Read
guide10 min read

Bad Roof for Solar in Illinois? A Ground Mount Works, Even on a $0-Down Lease

Roof won't work for solar? In Illinois a ground mount usually will, and $0-down leases cover it with a size minimum and a per-watt adder. 2026 costs inside.

Ryan Cook • Aug 26, 2026Read
news8 min read

Told Your Roof or Electrical Panel Rules Out Solar? Illinois Solar for All Paid for 79 Roof Replacements Last Year

The state's new report: Illinois Solar for All paid for 79 full roof replacements and 73 electrical panel upgrades last year, up to $22,000 per home. The 2026–27 single-family window ran Sept 14–25.

Ryan Cook • Aug 23, 2026Read
news8 min read

July Was the Hottest Month in U.S. History. Your August Ameren or ComEd Bill Is Where It Lands.

NOAA confirmed July 2026 as the hottest month ever recorded in the U.S., and ComEd says it's on your August bill. Here's the math for an Illinois home and what changes Oct 1.

Ryan Cook • Aug 22, 2026Read
guide8 min read

Buying an Illinois House With Solar? Odds Are the Seller Doesn't Own the Panels

Buying an Illinois home with solar panels? Who owns the system decides what you inherit — a lien on title, a lease credit check, or grandfathered net metering.

Ryan Cook • Aug 20, 2026Read
guide9 min read

When Can Ameren and ComEd Not Disconnect You in Illinois? The Dec. 1–March 31 Rules

Illinois limits Ameren and ComEd shut-offs from Dec. 1 to March 31 and on 32°F or 95°F forecast days, but there's no blanket ban. Who's covered and what to do.

Ryan Cook • Aug 19, 2026Read
guide6 min read

Your Illinois Solar Credits Can Expire in October — Check Which Date Your Installer Picked

Illinois solar owners on pre-2025 net metering lose unused kWh credits every April or October. Here's how to find out which date is on your account before it hits.

Ryan Cook • Aug 18, 2026Read
news5 min read

Illinois Shines Promised to Fix Its Solar Backlog by Mid-August. It Just Moved That to October.

Illinois Shines said Part I reviews would be back to two weeks by mid-August. Its August 6 update moved that to mid-October. As of August 28, Part I is still a 10-week wait.

Ryan Cook • Aug 17, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Budget Billing Didn't Save You From the June 1 Rate Hike — Ameren Settles Up in May or November

Ameren and ComEd budget billing spread your payments — they don't lower the rate. Here's when the June 1 increase actually shows up on your Illinois bill.

Ryan Cook • Aug 15, 2026Read
guide8 min read

The 'Price to Compare' on Your Illinois Bill: What It Covers, What It Leaves Out, and Why It Isn't What You Pay

The Price to Compare is the supply rate Ameren and ComEd publish so you can judge any offer. Here's what it covers, what it leaves out, and how to use it right.

Ryan Cook • Aug 14, 2026Read
guide7 min read

Denied for Solar in Illinois? Federal Law Says They Owe You a Real Reason

No published credit score gets you solar in Illinois — but if you're denied, federal law entitles you to the specific reason, a free credit report, and a dispute right.

Ryan Cook • Aug 13, 2026Read
news6 min read

Illinois Homes Lost $2.3 Billion to Electric Supplier Switching — Check One Line on Your Bill

State data shows Illinois families paid $2.3 billion extra to alternative electric suppliers since 2015 — Ameren customers hit hardest. Here's the bill line to check.

Ryan Cook • Aug 11, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Want Out of a Solar Contract in Illinois? The State Put Your Exit Rights in Writing

Illinois gives you at least three calendar days to rescind a solar contract and get your deposit back. Here's every exit the state wrote down, step by step.

Ryan Cook • Aug 7, 2026Read
guide11 min read

Solar Installed but Still Dark? Illinois Gives Your Utility 15 Business Days

Your panels are up but the bill hasn't moved. Illinois Part 466 and Ameren's own guide set real deadlines — 15 business days for a Level 1 witness test.

Ryan Cook • Aug 6, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Solar Won't Zero Out Your Illinois Electric Bill — the State's Own Example Shows Why

Solar offsets the supply half of your Illinois bill, not the delivery half. The state's own net metering example shows which kilowatt-hours you still pay for.

Ryan Cook • Aug 5, 2026Read
guide9 min read

Does Illinois Homeowners Insurance Cover Solar Panels? The $14,000 vs $4,000 Roof Clause

Illinois insurers are moving roofs to actual cash value. The state's own example pays $14,000 on one roof and $4,000 on another. Here's what that does to solar.

Ryan Cook • Aug 4, 2026Read
analysis11 min read

Illinois Will Pay About $4,050 Toward a Home Battery — Here's What ComEd and Ameren Want in Return

ComEd and Ameren both pay $300 per kWh toward home battery storage in Illinois. The rebate is real — but each utility attaches conditions almost nobody mentions.

Ryan Cook • Aug 2, 2026Read
guide8 min read

Your Illinois HOA Can't Ban Solar — and It Has 30 Days to Answer You

Illinois law bars an HOA from prohibiting solar panels, caps design rules at a 10% production loss, and gives boards 30 days to process your application.

Ryan Cook • Jul 31, 2026Read
analysis11 min read

ComEd Now Charges Four Different Prices a Day — Who Wins on Time-of-Day Pricing

ComEd's Time-of-Day pricing splits the day into four price windows, cheapest overnight. Who actually saves, who pays more, and how solar fits in.

Ryan Cook • Jul 30, 2026Read
news6 min read

Illinois Will Help Churches, Food Pantries, and Libraries Go Solar — Applications Open August 3

Illinois Solar for All opens its Non-Profit and Public Facilities window August 3, 2026. Who qualifies, what it costs, and why the date matters.

Ryan Cook • Jul 28, 2026Read
analysis6 min read

Your Illinois Electric Rate Drops October 1 — Why Your Bill Won't Drop as Much

Illinois summer supply rates expire September 30. Ameren's fell 31% last October — but supply is only half your bill. Here's what actually drops.

Ryan Cook • Jul 27, 2026Read
guide7 min read

Who Fixes Your Solar Panels in Illinois When Something Breaks?

Who actually fixes solar panels in Illinois? Maintenance costs, what a lease covers, and what to do if your installer stopped answering the phone.

Ryan Cook • Jul 19, 2026Read
news7 min read

Will Your Illinois Electric Bill Go Back Down? PJM Just Locked In Prices Through 2029

PJM's July 2026 capacity auction cleared at $325/MW-day for 2028-29 — the third straight auction at the price cap. Why your Illinois bill isn't dropping soon.

Ryan Cook • Jul 16, 2026Read
analysis13 min read

Illinois Logged 832 Solar Complaints in 2025 and Has Paid $473,000 Back to Burned Customers — What Actually Went Wrong, and Who Gets Paid

Illinois logged 832 solar complaints in 2025, and its restitution fund has paid 170 customers nearly $473,000. Here's what goes wrong and who gets paid.

Ryan Cook • Jul 14, 2026Read
guide8 min read

Do You Need a New Roof Before Solar in Illinois? (2026 Roof-Age Rules)

Old roof, new panels? Pulling solar off for a roof job runs an estimated $2,800-$6,000. The Illinois roof-age rule, and how to sequence both jobs to pay once.

Ryan Cook • Jul 12, 2026Read
guide6 min read

Can You Rent Solar Panels in Illinois? What Actually Exists in 2026

There's no such thing as renting solar panels in Illinois. But there is Community Solar — a state-vetted subscription that gets you bill credits without any equipment. Here's how it actually works.

Ryan Cook • Jul 11, 2026Read
news9 min read

New Illinois Laws: A Family of Four Earning $99,000 Can Now Get Help With Their Electric Bill

Pritzker signed HB 4456 and HB 5524 on July 9. One raises energy-assistance income limits to 300% of poverty. The other itemizes every charge on your bill.

Ryan Cook • Jul 10, 2026Read
guide6 min read

Do Solar Panels Increase Your Property Taxes in Illinois? (2026)

Adding solar raises your home's value — so will your property taxes jump too? In Illinois, no. The state's special solar assessment keeps that value off your tax bill.

Ryan Cook • Jul 9, 2026Read
guide7 min read

New Illinois Solar for All Income Limits (2026): $97,200 for a Cook County Family of Four

Illinois Solar for All raised its income limits on June 1, 2026. A family of four can earn $97,200 in Cook County and still qualify. Here are the county numbers.

Ryan Cook • Jul 8, 2026Read
news5 min read

Will Illinois Have Rolling Blackouts? What ComEd's 'Critical Level' Alerts Mean (2026)

ComEd told parts of Chicagoland the grid hit a 'critical level' during the July heat wave. Here's the honest answer on rolling blackout risk in Illinois — and what you can control.

Ryan Cook • Jul 7, 2026Read
news7 min read

Freedom Forever Filed for Bankruptcy — What Illinois Solar Customers Should Do Now

Freedom Forever filed Chapter 11 in April 2026. If your Illinois solar system is installed, unfinished, or under quote — here's exactly what to do next.

Ryan Cook • Jul 4, 2026Read
news6 min read

ComEd & Ameren Want Another Rate Hike — CUB Found $1 Billion in Questionable Spending

ComEd filed a $15.3B grid plan and Ameren wants millions more — CUB found over $1 billion in questionable spending. What the next IL rate hikes mean for you.

Ryan Cook • Jul 3, 2026Read
guide6 min read

What Solar Panels Really Cost in Illinois in 2026 (Honest Numbers, No Lead-Selling)

What solar panels actually cost in Illinois in 2026 — real per-watt and per-system numbers, what changed this year, and why we don't sell your info to five callers.

Ryan Cook • Jun 19, 2026Read
analysis5 min read

Illinois Electric Rates Keep Climbing — Does Solar Finally Make Sense in 2026?

Ameren and ComEd rates are up ~90% in five years and still climbing. Here's how to see what you're on track to overpay — and whether solar finally makes sense.

Ryan Cook • Jun 19, 2026Read
guide5 min read

Illinois Net Metering Changed in 2025 — What It Costs You and How to Protect Your Savings

Illinois ended full retail net metering on Jan 1, 2025. Here's what the switch to net billing actually costs solar owners — and how to protect your savings.

Ryan Cook • Jun 19, 2026Read
guide5 min read

The 30% Solar Tax Credit Ended — Here's How Illinois Homeowners Still Get It in 2026

The 30% federal tax credit ended for homeowner-owned systems on Dec 31, 2025. Here's what Illinois homeowners still have to work with in 2026.

Ryan Cook • Jun 19, 2026Read
guide5 min read

How Much Does a Solar Lease Cost Per Month in Illinois? (2026)

What does a solar lease actually cost per month in Illinois? Real 2026 numbers, what's included, and how a predictable lease rate compares to a rising utility bill.

Ryan Cook • Jun 19, 2026Read
guide7 min read

Ameren vs ComEd 2026: Which Costs More Per kWh? (ComEd Runs ~1.5¢ Higher)

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 Cook • Apr 4, 2026Read
analysis9 min read

Ameren Rate Increase 2026: Summer Rate Ends — Oct 1 Price to Compare Is 10.441¢ (ComEd 10.103¢)

Updated September 30, 2026: the Ameren rate increase put the summer Price to Compare at 11.326¢/kWh (ComEd 10.399¢) through September 30; from October 1 it is 10.441¢ (ComEd 10.103¢). See the average Illinois electric rate now, why bills jumped June 1, and what changed October 1.

Ryan Cook • Apr 4, 2026Read
analysis8 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 Cook • Apr 4, 2026Read
analysis5 min read

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

Ameren bills jumped 18-22% in summer 2025 and rose again June 1, 2026. Here's why MISO capacity auctions are driving your rates up and what you can do about it.

Ryan Cook • Mar 30, 2026Read
guide6 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 a local Illinois solar installer.

Ryan Cook • Mar 30, 2026Read
guide4 min read

Selling a House With Leased Solar Panels in Illinois (2026 Guide)

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

Ryan Cook • Mar 30, 2026Read
analysis7 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 Cook • Mar 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 Cook • Mar 19, 2026Read
news8 min read

ComEd Rate Increase 2026: Oct 1 Supply Drops to 10.103¢, but Delivery Didn't

Updated Oct 2026: ComEd's 2026 rate increase put the Price to Compare at 10.399¢/kWh through September 30; from October 1 it is 10.103¢/kWh. What changed June 1, what reset October 1, the ICC delivery increases that didn't reset, and your all-in cost per kWh.

Ryan Cook • Mar 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 Cook • Mar 18, 2026Read
guide9 min read

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

Illinois solar incentives 2026: Illinois Shines RECs, the new $20/REC customer-owned adder, $300/kW DG rebate, battery rebate, net metering, and property tax exemption — worth $12,000-$18,000+ on an owned system. Plus Solar for All, with no upfront costs and no solar payments for income-eligible households.

Ryan Cook • Mar 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 Cook • Mar 18, 2026Read

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