ComEd releases new solar calculators online to ease navigation of clean energy options
ComEd released updated solar calculators online last week for private rooftop and community solar projects, granting customers more insight into the costs, benefits and savings associated.
Between 2016 and May 2023, installations of solar systems by residential and business customers of ComEd reportedly grew from 837 to 41,270. More than 82 community solar projects sprawl across northern Illinois now, and the company predicted that more than 100 will expand that reach to more than 25,000 people by year’s end, including those whose roofs are simply not suited or able to be modified for rooftop solar.
“The updates to the new solar calculators make it easy for customers to determine their best options for accessing the benefits of solar energy, including the positive environmental impact they can make by reducing their carbon footprint through solar energy,” Louie Binswanger, ComEd’s senior vice president of government and external affairs, said. “We are available to support customers in every step of their solar journey.”
The calculators assess a roof’s solar energy potential, including its roof direction, slope and shading. Options are also available for calculating electric vehicle charging or the replacement of gas appliances with electric alternatives. Accompanying this are details on a rebate program for residential customers, which provides $300 per kW for eligible distributed generation facilities, like private solar systems, as well as $300 per kW hour for an associated energy storage device. In this way, customers will be able to compare potential cost with or without the rebate, and see how it would affect estimated payback periods.
On top of this, ComEd released a community solar calculator to estimate savings based on current energy usage. The community solar program allows ComEd customers to subscribe to solar panel farms owned by independent developers and, through the energy produced, earn credits on their monthly bills.
