IL state report

Is a home battery worth it in Illinois?

Illinois is the strongest of these states for storage in 2026 because of the $300/kWh smart-inverter storage rebate plus reformed billing where excess credits never expire. Backup during summer storms is a genuine bonus, but the rebate is what moves the math. Confirm current rebate terms with your utility.

✓ Verified 2026-07-01

Illinois at a glance

Average residential rate: 20 cents per kWh
Net metering: Traditional 1:1 net metering sunset for NEW customers on Jan 1, 2025 in ComEd and Ameren territory. Customers with permission to operate before that date keep full 30-year net metering. New solar customers now get credits on the Supply portion of the bill only (not delivery or taxes), credits roll over and never expire, and they qualify for the smart-inverter Distributed Generation rebate instead. This is the Illinois Shines / Future Energy Jobs Act framework.
State battery incentive: Smart Inverter / Distributed Generation rebate through ComEd and Ameren: at least $300 per kW of solar and $300 per kWh of battery storage (requires a smart inverter). Battery adder is roughly $1,500 to $3,000+ for a typical residential pack.
Time-of-use plans: Common and relevant here

What drives battery value here

Real storm exposure: summer derechos and severe thunderstorms, tornadoes downstate, and occasional winter ice/wind events that drive multi-hour outages. Backup is a meaningful secondary driver given storm outages, but the upfront $300/kWh storage rebate plus supply-only credit economics are the bigger financial levers.

The federal picture in 2026

The federal residential purchase credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025, so a 2026 cash buyer gets nothing federal. The only surviving federal pathway is Section 48E, which a company claims on a lease or PPA. State and utility programs, where they exist, now do the heavy lifting.

Sources

Rates and incentive amounts change; always confirm current terms with your utility or program administrator.

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Illinois home battery FAQ

Is there a state battery incentive in Illinois?

Smart Inverter / Distributed Generation rebate through ComEd and Ameren: at least $300 per kW of solar and $300 per kWh of battery storage (requires a smart inverter). Battery adder is roughly $1,500 to $3,000+ for a typical residential pack. Confirm current availability and your eligibility with your utility or program administrator before counting on an amount.

What is the average electricity rate in Illinois?

About 20 cents per kWh on average (EIA, April 2026). Your own rate and rate plan matter more than the state average; run your utility's numbers in the calculator.

Does Illinois have net metering?

Traditional 1:1 net metering sunset for NEW customers on Jan 1, 2025 in ComEd and Ameren territory. Customers with permission to operate before that date keep full 30-year net metering. New solar customers now get credits on the Supply portion of the bill only (not delivery or taxes), credits roll over and never expire, and they qualify for the smart-inverter Distributed Generation rebate instead. This is the Illinois Shines / Future Energy Jobs Act framework.