Quick answer
For many Illinois homes, yes. The $300/kW ComEd and Ameren rebate and Illinois Shines are still in place, and electricity supply prices have risen, which makes solar's savings bigger. What's gone is the 30% federal homeowner credit and full retail net metering for new systems. Waiting won't bring those back, and Illinois Shines prices can change each program year.
What changed for Illinois solar in 2025 and 2026?
- 1
January 1, 2025: net metering changed
New systems earn credits for exported power at the supply rate instead of full retail, and ComEd and Ameren began paying a $300/kW rebate in exchange.
- 2
After December 31, 2025: federal homeowner credit ended
The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit no longer applies to systems homeowners buy. Leases and PPAs may still pass along a business credit.
- 3
January 2026: new state energy law signed
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act expands energy storage, home efficiency and virtual power plant programs, with key parts reported to take effect June 1, 2026.
- 4
June 1, 2026: Illinois Shines program year began
New REC prices took effect, and payments for small home systems shifted to 50% at energization with the rest paid over six years.
- 5
October 1, 2026: supply prices reset
ComEd's Price to Compare is about 10.1¢/kWh for October 2026–May 2027, up from a 2025 average near 8¢.
Should I go solar now or wait?
| Go solar now if… | Waiting may make sense if… |
|---|---|
| Your roof is in good shape and gets good sun | Your roof needs replacing soon (do that first) |
| Your electric bill is regularly over about $100 | You're about to move or sell within a few years |
| You want to lock in today's Illinois Shines prices | You're planning an EV or heat pump and want to size for it |
| Rising supply prices are hurting your bill | You're waiting on a specific program, such as a local group buy |
Panel prices and incentives move in both directions, so trying to time the market rarely pays. Each year you wait is a year of electricity you buy at full price.
What should I watch for in 2027?
- Illinois Shines capacity and prices: prices are set per program year, and blocks can fill. See Illinois Shines, explained.
- Rate resets each June and October: supply prices change twice a year, which changes the value of solar credits.
- New state programs: storage and virtual power plant programs under the 2026 law may pay homeowners for batteries. See the battery guide.
Check your own numbers with the solar savings calculator or get free quotes.
Sources
- Illinois Shines: FAQs related to changes in net metering in Illinois
- IRS: FAQs on changes to Sections 25C, 25D and other credits under the 2025 law (Public Law 119-21)
- Solar Power World: Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act now law in Illinois (January 2026)
- Illinois Shines: Small distributed generation
- Illinois Shines: Final 2026–27 REC prices for the program year starting June 1, 2026
- Plug In Illinois (Illinois Commerce Commission): ComEd Price to Compare
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.