Illinois solar customers will see a big change in billing [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – Big changes are coming for Illinois homeowners and businesses using solar panels.

Starting January 1, 2025, the state will transition from its current net metering system to a new billing mechanism called “smart solar billing.”

What Is Changing?

Net metering, which compensates solar customers for excess energy sent back to the grid, has been a cornerstone of solar energy adoption in Illinois. However, with solar installations surging—1,500 megawatts were added in 2024 alone—the state will sunset net metering at the end of the year.

Starting in 2025, all new solar panel installations will operate under the Smart Solar Billing system. Current solar users, known as “Legacy,” customers, will remain on the Net Metering program.

“Folks that have solar on their homes and businesses are enjoying greatly reduced electric bills,” Illinois Solar Energy Executive Director Lesly McCain said. “That is really important for folks’ stability and opportunity.”

“Of course, we don’t want …