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Is plug-in solar legal in Illinois?
Bill stalled (likely refiled 2027) SB 3104 (HB 4371, HB 4516)
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. Illinois considered a plug-in solar bill (SB 3104 (HB 4371, HB 4516)) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Level 1 certified inverter <=25 kW (10 kW per some sources)
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $50
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Level 1 certified inverter <=25 kW (10 kW per some sources)), typical fee $50.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on SB 3104 / HB 4524 this year: Passed Senate Energy & PU Committee 3/12/2026; 3rd Reading 3/26; stalled April; re-referred to Assignments 5/22/2026; veto session or 2027.
What the rules say
Illinois' SB 3104 stalled in April 2026 over a low-wattage carve-out; the sponsor expects a revised bill in the veto session or 2027.
What happened in 2026. SB 3104 / HB 4524: Passed Senate Energy & PU Committee 3/12/2026; 3rd Reading 3/26; stalled April; re-referred to Assignments 5/22/2026; veto session or 2027.
Before you plug in: Illinois checklist
- The rule that applies is Illinois Commerce Commission's interconnection process: 83 Ill. Adm. Code Part 466 (small DER) / Part 467.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Level 1 certified inverter <=25 kW (10 kW per some sources)). ComEd Level 1 $50; up to 22 business days.
- Permits: No statewide residential NEC; Chicago Electrical Code + licensed contractors; municipal permits.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Post-2025 net metering credits supply only + DG rebate ($300/kW) which plug-in systems would not get.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch SB 3104 / HB 4524: Passed Senate Energy & PU Committee 3/12/2026; 3rd Reading 3/26; stalled April; re-referred to Assignments 5/22/2026; veto session or 2027.
The rules in detail
Illinois has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is SB 3104 (HB 4371, HB 4516)). Average residential electricity price: 19.22¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Sponsor: Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet).
- Utilities: Utilities and labor unions cited backfeeding; Senate Energy Cmte 9-4 Mar 12, 2026; stalled April.
Your utility's rules in Illinois
No utility in Illinois publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| ComEd | 3,727,675 | No specific statement; press refers only to generic utility/labor backfeed concerns. source |
| Ameren Illinois | 1,060,894 | Shared Ameren FAQ: 'You cannot operate your private generation system until' application approved and Certificate of Completion signed; emergency generators 'not capable of sending energy to the smart grid' need no application. source |
| MidAmerican (IL) | 73,582 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Illinois Commerce Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | 83 Ill. Adm. Code Part 466 (small DER) / Part 467. |
| Smallest tier | Level 1 certified inverter <=25 kW (10 kW per some sources). |
| Application fee | ComEd Level 1 $50; up to 22 business days. |
| Electrician / permit | No statewide residential NEC; Chicago Electrical Code + licensed contractors; municipal permits. |
| Export compensation | Post-2025 net metering credits supply only + DG rebate ($300/kW) which plug-in systems would not get. |
| Electrical code | None statewide residential (2008 NEC commercial outside home rule); Chicago 2017-based. |
| State guidance on plug-in devices | Quincy Fire Chief Steve Salrin concerns on backfeed/extension cords (Apr 2026). |
In practice
- Came closest to passage; sticking point is 392-1,200 W tier.
- Chicago code/licensing applies regardless of state law.
Plug-in solar bills in Illinois, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB 3104 / HB 4524 | Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet); Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove); cosponsors Guzman, Faraci, Walker, Castro, Porfirio, Koehler, Edly-Allen | Passed Senate Energy & PU Committee 3/12/2026; 3rd Reading 3/26; stalled April; re-referred to Assignments 5/22/2026; veto session or 2027. | Plug-In Illinois Act: <=1,200 W; <392 W exempt from landlord/HOA rules; 30-day notification; no DG rebate; stuck on 392-1,200 W low-oversight tier. |
State incentives
- Illinois Shines (Approved Vendor required).
- DG rebate requires interconnection.
- No sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Vote Solar (Kavi Chintam, Nathan Phelps)
- Illinois Environmental Council
- Bright Saver
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Illinois
Adjust for your setup →≈ $162/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Illinois?
Not yet. Illinois considered a plug-in solar bill (SB 3104 (HB 4371, HB 4516)) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Illinois?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Illinois?
Default: ComEd/Ameren interconnection applies. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Illinois?
Roughly 845 kWh and about $162 per year at Illinois's average residential rate of 19.22¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.