If ComEd is your electric utility, which generally covers Chicago and much of northern Illinois, there are a few program-specific details worth understanding before you sign a solar contract. This page covers how ComEd handles net metering and its distributed generation rebate, and what to ask your installer. It is general information, not an estimate of your bill or savings; those depend on your usage, system size and rate plan.
Net metering with ComEd
Net metering credits a solar owner for electricity sent back to the grid. ComEd’s own page explains that net metering credits are calculated at the time of generation, so exported electricity during higher-value hours, like sunny afternoons, earns a higher-value credit than electricity exported when prices are low. This is a different mechanic than a flat, fixed-rate credit, so ask your installer to walk through how your expected generation pattern lines up with ComEd’s current pricing. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees how ComEd implements net metering under state law; see the Illinois solar incentives page for the regulatory background, and net metering in Illinois: ComEd and Ameren for a side-by-side explanation.
Hourly Pricing and the distributed generation rebate
ComEd also offers a distributed generation rebate, but it comes with a specific condition: you must enroll in a flexible rate option, such as ComEd’s Hourly Pricing, and stay enrolled for the lifetime of the system to keep the rebate. If you have been on Hourly Pricing recently, there is a waiting period (ComEd states 12 billing periods) before you can re-enroll and qualify again. Enrollment itself can take one to three months to take effect. This means the distributed generation rebate is not automatic just because you install solar; it depends on a separate rate-plan choice that has its own tradeoffs on a normal electric bill, solar or not. Ask your installer, or ComEd directly, whether Hourly Pricing makes sense for your household’s usage pattern before committing to it purely to chase the rebate.
Illinois Shines for ComEd customers
Illinois Shines, the state’s renewable energy credit program, works the same way regardless of which Illinois utility you have; it is a separate program from anything ComEd runs directly. See Illinois Shines and SRECs explained and the Illinois solar incentives page for how that program fits alongside ComEd’s net metering and rebate.
What to ask your installer
- Will my system’s generation pattern work well with ComEd’s time-of-generation net metering credit, or would a different rate plan suit me better?
- If you recommend Hourly Pricing for the distributed generation rebate, what does that rate plan mean for the rest of my electric bill, not just solar?
- Have I been on Hourly Pricing in the past 12 billing periods, and does that affect my rebate eligibility?
- Can you show me ComEd’s current published rebate terms rather than a verbal estimate?
When this last changed
ComEd’s net metering and Hourly Pricing-linked rebate terms are described directly on ComEd’s own site and can be updated by ComEd or by Illinois Commerce Commission proceedings. Confirm current terms directly with ComEd or your installer before signing a contract.
Common questions
Do I have to enroll in Hourly Pricing to go solar with ComEd?
No. Standard net metering is available regardless of your rate plan. Hourly Pricing enrollment is specifically what unlocks ComEd’s distributed generation rebate, which is a separate, optional benefit.
Is ComEd’s net metering a flat credit?
No. ComEd credits exported electricity based on the price at the time of generation, not a single fixed rate.
Does SolarSiteIQ work with ComEd directly?
No. SolarSiteIQ is an independent service that connects homeowners with a local installer. We do not administer ComEd’s programs or guarantee any rebate or credit amount.
What if I am not sure which utility I have?
Check a recent electric bill. If you are not served by ComEd, see our Ameren Illinois page or confirm your provider’s own terms if it is a municipal utility or cooperative.
How do I get started?
Request a free, no-obligation assessment and SolarSiteIQ will connect you with one qualified local installer who can confirm current ComEd terms for your property. Start at /solar-step-1/.
Ready to see what applies to your home? Start your free assessment and SolarSiteIQ will connect you with one qualified local installer, no obligation.
