ComEd Solar Overview
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is an Exelon company serving Northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. Illinois has strong solar policies, and ComEd territory is one of the better places in the Midwest for rooftop solar.
Customers: ~4 million
Net metering: Full retail rate
SREC program: Illinois Shines (significant value)
Solar rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great
Payback: 5-8 years (with SRECs) (Source: EnergySage market analysis)
The bottom line: ComEd customers benefit from full retail net metering plus Illinois Shines incentives (SRECs). This combination makes Illinois one of the best states for solar economics, with payback periods as short as 5-8 years.
ComEd Net Metering
Illinois has strong net metering rules that apply to ComEd customers:
| Feature | ComEd Policy |
|---|---|
| Export credit | Full retail rate (~$0.12-$0.16/kWh) |
| Credit rollover | Monthly, with annual true-up |
| System size limit | 25 kW residential |
| Meter type | Bi-directional (no cost to customer) |
| True-up period | April (end of plan year) |
Annual True-Up
At the end of the plan year (April), any remaining credit balance is paid out at a lower "energy only" rate (~$0.04-$0.06/kWh). Size your system to use credits within the year rather than building large surpluses.
Illinois Shines (SREC Program)
Illinois Shines is the state's SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) program, providing significant additional income for solar owners:
How Illinois Shines Works
- What it is: Upfront payment for your system's future RECs
- Payment: Lump sum at installation (or structured)
- Value: $1,500-$3,000+ per kW (varies by program group)
- Contract: 15-year REC delivery agreement
- Administrator: Approved Vendor (your installer handles this)
Illinois Shines Payment Estimate
| System Size | Estimated SREC Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $7,500-$12,000 | Small system |
| 8 kW | $12,000-$20,000 | Average home |
| 10 kW | $15,000-$25,000 | Larger home |
Illinois Shines Qualification
- System must be installed by an Approved Vendor
- Must be grid-connected in ComEd territory
- Application through Illinois Shines portal
- Limited capacity per program period (apply early)
ComEd Solar Economics
ComEd customers have some of the best solar economics in the Midwest:
Scenario: $150/month Bill, 8kW System
| Factor | Without SRECs | With Illinois Shines |
|---|---|---|
| System cost (8kW) | $24,000 | $24,000 |
| Illinois Shines payment | $0 | -$14,000 to -$20,000 |
| Net cost | $24,000 | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Annual savings | $1,500-$1,800 | $1,500-$1,800 |
| Payback period | 13-16 years | 3-6 years |
The SREC difference: Without Illinois Shines, solar payback is 13-16 years. With it, payback drops to 3-6 years. This is why Illinois is considered one of the best solar markets despite being in the Midwest.
Additional Savings Factors
- Property tax exemption: Solar doesn't increase property taxes in Illinois
- Sales tax exemption: Equipment purchases exempt from state sales tax
- PPA/Lease option: Still qualifies for 30% federal ITC (through 2027)
ComEd Interconnection Process
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Day 1 | Installer submits via ComEd portal |
| Initial review | 5-10 business days | System design approval |
| Installation | 1-3 days | Physical installation |
| Inspection | 3-7 days | Municipal inspection |
| Meter exchange | 5-15 days | Bi-directional meter installed |
| PTO | 1-3 days | Permission to operate |
Total timeline: 4-8 weeks from contract signing to solar production. ComEd has a relatively efficient interconnection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is ComEd for solar?
ComEd is one of the best utilities for solar in the country when you factor in Illinois Shines SRECs. Full retail net metering plus substantial upfront SREC payments make payback as short as 3-6 years. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Great).
What are Illinois Shines SRECs worth?
SREC values through Illinois Shines vary by program group and capacity, but typically range from $1,500-$3,000+ per kW of installed capacity. For an 8kW system, that's $12,000-$24,000 in value. Your installer should provide exact quotes.
Can I still get federal tax credit?
The 30% residential tax credit (25D) ended December 31, 2025 for purchased systems. However, PPA and lease customers still benefit through 2027, as the solar company claims the credit and passes savings through lower rates.
Do I need a battery with ComEd?
Not for financial reasons—full retail net metering means exports have good value. A battery is useful for backup power during outages but doesn't significantly improve the economics. Consider it for peace of mind rather than ROI.
What if I'm in Ameren territory instead of ComEd?
Ameren Illinois has similar policies—full retail net metering and Illinois Shines eligibility. Check your bill to confirm your utility. Solar economics are comparable across Illinois utilities.
Questions About ComEd Solar?
Our AI can help with Illinois Shines, system sizing, and ComEd-specific questions for Chicago-area solar.
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