10,000 “net metering” applications expected this year
CHICAGO : More than 4,000 ComEd customers are now receiving compensation for the excess energy they generate using renewable energy sources – primarily rooftop solar panels – up from 900 customers two years ago as the transition to a cleaner future in Illinois gains momentum.
“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,” said Scott Vogt, vice president, strategy and energy policy, ComEd. “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.”
In June, ComEd received more than 50 applications per day from commercial and residential customers interested in interconnecting their private solar energy system to the ComEd smart grid.
Residential and commercial customers who own or operate 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 their premises and powered by a qualified renewable energy fuel source. Solar energy systems of customers who want to participate in net metering are limited in capacity size so that they generate no more than 110 percent of their prior 12 months of electricity usage. ComEd.com/NetMetering
ComEd has paid $2.5 million this year to commercial and industrial customers through the distributed generation (DG) rebate program, which pays $250 per kilowatt of installed solar power capacity. The DG rebate aims to reduce upfront installation costs and spur renewable energy development.
Customers are urged to visit ComEd.com/Solar for information on installing rooftop and commercial solar energy systems and applying for net metering. A solar calculator is available to estimate installation costs and energy savings, and links are provided to lists of solar contractors maintained by the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Power Agency.
