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Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislationUpdated May 31, 2026

Coming Soon — Illinois is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit plug-in solar systems up to 391W to connect to standard outlets without utility approval, fees, or UL certification requirements.

Get notified when Illinois goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

Recently updated — this page was last reviewed on May 31, 2026. Law data is current as of that date.

Bill Status

Bill number
SB 3104
Expected vote
Advancing — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
391W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
ComEd / Ameren Illinois

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 391W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 391W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.107/kWh in 2021 → $0.130/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.107
2021
$0.111
2022
$0.116
2023
$0.120
2024
$0.125
2025
$0.130
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.285/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,271
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Illinois's $0.130/kWh avg. rate and 4.5 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Default: 4.5h/day (Illinois avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
391W
400W391W
60%
30%100%
$0.130/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
328 kWh
27 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$43
$4/mo
Payback Period
20 yrs
by year 20
25-Year Savings
$1,654
net $454
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Illinois legislature and will email you the moment SB 3104 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.