Significant Achievement in Solar Energy Market
ComEd has reached a major milestone, interconnecting over 1 gigawatt of distributed energy resources (DER) to its grid in northern Illinois. This achievement includes 57,780 residential rooftop solar systems, 1,582 commercial systems, 118 community solar farms, 23 industrial, and two utility-scale projects. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, this places Illinois first among Midwestern states for DER and second for total capacity.
Driving Solar Energy Adoption
Scott Vogt, ComEd’s Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy, highlighted the company’s dedication to promoting solar energy adoption. “Achieving the 1-gigawatt milestone for DER reflects progress with the adoption of distributed energy resources and our commitment to helping residential, commercial and industrial customers take full advantage of the benefits of solar energy,” Vogt stated. He emphasized that state and federal incentives make it an ideal time to invest in solar energy.
Brian Granahan, Director of the Illinois Power Agency, praised the impact of equitable energy policies. He noted the importance of transparency and collaboration between utilities and the developer community. “Everyone benefits from solar energy, so it’s important to work together in support of achieving our state’s renewable energy goals,” Granahan said.
Rapid Growth in Distributed Energy Resources
ComEd has supported an impressive 114% annual growth in DER for residential customers and 25% for commercial and industrial customers over the past five years. Community solar has grown more than 4,000% since the first project launched in 2019. A gigawatt is equivalent to about 3.12 million photovoltaic panels, 431 utility-scale wind turbines, and 100 million LED light bulbs.
Future Projections and Customer Options
ComEd anticipates DER capacity to exceed 1,900 MW by 2025 and 3,600 MW by 2030, enough to power approximately 120,000 homes for one year. In addition to solar, DER technologies include battery storage and electric vehicles that can export power back to the grid.
For those with unsuitable roofs, renting, or living in multi-family dwellings, community solar offers an alternative. Participants subscribe to a large solar project and earn credits on their ComEd bills for their share of the electricity produced. By the end of this year, ComEd expects to have over 150 community solar projects serving around 40,000 customers.
Supporting Renewable Energy Investments
Rebate programs are available for commercial and residential renewable energy facilities. Eligible distributed generation facilities, such as rooftop solar, can receive up to $300 per kilowatt, while associated energy storage devices can earn up to $300 per kilowatt-hour.
ComEd’s grid and rate plans, filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), detail the investments needed to support the rapid expansion of renewable energy. These plans align with ComEd 2030, the company’s vision for a carbon-free energy future, ensuring equitable access to clean energy benefits under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
ComEd’s 1-gigawatt milestone underscores its commitment to advancing solar energy and supporting green energy policies. This achievement contributes significantly to the solar energy market, promoting sustainable energy solutions and fostering economic growth in Illinois.
Source：businesswire.com
