ComEd solar users on rise, company reports

ComEd officials said solar users are on the rise, noting customers are receiving compensation for excess energy generated from renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels.

“We’ve always known there is pent-up demand for solar energy among our customers, but the interest so far this year is exceeding our expectations,” Scott Vogt, vice president of strategy and energy policy at ComEd, said. “We have received more than 5,200 net metering applications this year, and we could double that by year-end. This is a great opportunity for us to help customers go solar and accelerate the state’s transition to clean energy.”

More than 4,000 ComEd customers are receiving solar compensation; an increase from 900 customers two years ago. Officials said the uptick reflects the transition to a cleaner future in Illinois gaining momentum.

The utility said residential and commercial customers owning or operating an eligible private solar energy system of up to 2,000 kilowatts and generate electricity for their own use may qualify for net metering savings. The generator must be located on the property and powered by a qualified renewable energy fuel source.

ComEd has paid $2.5 million to commercial and industrial customers this year through the distributed generation (DG) rebate program, which pays $250 per kilowatt of installed solar power capacity. The rebate aims to reduce upfront installation costs and spur renewable energy development.