Quick answer
Solar works much the same with ComEd and Ameren Illinois: both pay a $300/kW rebate and credit exports at the supply rate. The differences are smaller: Illinois Shines pays about $80.77 per REC in ComEd territory versus $70.37 with Ameren, while downstate panels produce more. For a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 8.3 years in Chicago and 9 years in Peoria.
What's the same with ComEd and Ameren solar?
- The utility rebate: about $300 per kW for new systems with a smart inverter, and about $300 per kWh for batteries.
- Net metering: for systems connected since 2025, exports are credited at the supply rate.
- Illinois Shines: both are in the state program, with separate price groups.
- The property tax rule and consumer protections, which are statewide.
How do ComEd and Ameren solar compare side by side?
| ComEd | Ameren Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Service area | Chicago and most of northern Illinois | central and southern Illinois, including the Metro East |
| Customers | about 4 million | about 1.2 million |
| Solar rebate | ~$300/kW | ~$300/kW |
| Export credit (October 2026–May 2027) | ~10.1¢/kWh | ~10.4¢/kWh first 800 kWh, 8.3¢ above |
| Illinois Shines price, up to 10 kW | $80.77/REC (Group B) | $70.37/REC (Group A) |
| Typical output per kW | ~1,200 kWh/yr (Chicago) | ~1,240 kWh/yr (Peoria) |
| Time-based rates | Hourly Pricing; Delivery Time-of-Day (2026) | Power Smart Pricing; EV rate |
| Est. net cost, $150/mo bill | $10,800 | $11,400 |
| Est. payback | 8.3 years | 9 years |
Estimates use our calculator assumptions for a cash purchase on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
Is solar a better deal with ComEd or Ameren?
It's close. ComEd homes get a richer Illinois Shines payment, while Ameren homes get more sun, especially in the Metro East and southern Illinois. Your roof, shade and usage matter far more than which utility you have.
See the details for your area: ComEd solar or Ameren Illinois solar, or find your city.
What if I'm not on ComEd or Ameren?
Some Illinois towns, such as Naperville, Springfield, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Rochelle, run municipal utilities, and many rural homes are on electric cooperatives or MidAmerican Energy. They set their own solar rules, so the ComEd and Ameren rebates don't apply, but you can still get a quote.
Sources
- Plug In Illinois (Illinois Commerce Commission): ComEd Price to Compare
- Plug In Illinois (Illinois Commerce Commission): Ameren Illinois Price to Compare
- Illinois Shines: Final 2026–27 REC prices for the program year starting June 1, 2026
- Citizens Utility Board: Solar and storage rebates (ComEd and Ameren)
- ComEd: New Delivery Time-of-Day rate (February 2026 announcement)
- Citizens Utility Board: EV savings with Ameren's Power Smart Pricing
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Incentive programs change, so confirm current terms with your installer, your utility and a tax professional.