Is Solar Right For You?
How Do You Select a Contractor?
How Much Solar Do You Need?
How Long Does Installation Take?
Maximizing Solar Performance
What is Net Metering?
A certified installer will submit all the necessary paperwork to Ameren on your behalf. As your application moves through the process, we'll keep you informed via email from Ameren's software system, PowerClerk. Planning on self-installation? Please review the application guide (PDF) to learn more about using PowerClerk to submit your application.
A certified installer will help you determine which system is best for you. Your installer will help navigate you through the application process and ensure that your system is installed and operating properly. To learn more about finding a certified installer please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Solar Energy Association and Illinois Solar for All.
Your energy statement will include a few new items. You will now see how much energy you are sending to Ameren Missouri-Customer kWh to Utility. You will also see how much you are purchasing from Ameren Missouri-Net Billable kWh. Please view a sample bill (PDF).
Please note the following regarding net metering:
- If your solar system produces more energy than you use, you will receive a credit on your energy statement at the net metering rate of:
- SUMMER (June through September) 3.84 cents per kWh
- WINTER (October through May) 3.39 cents per kWh
- If your system produces more than you consume you WILL NOT have a zero bill. All other regular monthly charges will still apply.
- Community Solar Customers: Please contact Ameren to cancel your community solar subscription. Ameren will not be able to switch your billing to net metering if you are still subscribed to the community solar program.
- Budget Billing Customers: It is advised to reevaluate your budget billing when you install solar. Keeping budget billing may increase your bill rather than reduce it if your solar panels are working to reduce your electric usage.
Ameren Missouri must review your renewable project before operation/installation to determine whether the renewable system could adversely affect the safety, reliability or quality of the local electric utility service. See the Ameren Service Manual (PDF) for technical requirements reference. Also see recent Residential Meter Socket Change Information (PDF).
The maximum allowable system size in kW DC is calculated based on your past 12 month usage. If a customer account has a single revenue meter, please see the example below to calculate maximum allowable.
Most recent 12 billing month load kWh/(8,760 hrs. x 15.6% Capacity Factor) = Maximum Allowable Nameplate Capacity in kW DC
Example:
Previous 12 month load = 13,512 kWh
- Hours in a year = 8,760 hours
- Solar Capacity Factor = 15.6% (based on DOE PV Watts)
- Maximum Allowable Nameplate Capacity = 13,512/(8,760 x 0.156) = 9.887 kW
*Please note, this formula should be used only as an estimate. Upon receipt of a Net Metering Application, Ameren Missouri will evaluate the account and calculate the maximum based on the most recent 12 month usage.
For net metering, installation agreements cannot exceed 100 kW.
For Residential new construction, please contact Ameren Renewables with your new home’s square footage (living space only – minus garage and basement even if finished) to obtain your maximum solar nameplate capacity.
For Commercial new construction, please complete the Commercial Load Sheet (PDF) and email to Ameren Renewables to obtain your maximum solar nameplate capacity.
If adding panels to an existing solar system, the solar system must still be within the maximum allowable nameplate capacity.
Maximum Allowable Nameplate Capacity = 13,512/(8,760 x 0.156) = 9.887 kW
*Please note, this formula should be used only as an estimate. Upon receipt of a Net Metering Application, Ameren Missouri will evaluate the account and calculate the maximum based on the most recent 12 month usage.
Every solar installation is unique; Ameren Illinois recommends our customers be informed and involved throughout every step of the process. A certified installer should be able to assist you in gathering information when considering the following questions:
- Do you have a roof or area large enough to accommodate solar panels?
- How much sun does your roof or large area receive?
- What is the age or condition of your roof?
- Can your existing roof support solar panels being added to it?
- Will the benefits of installing solar panels be worth the investment? Consider the rate of return on your investment.
If you answered yes to the above questions, it might be appropriate to move forward with the installation of Solar Panels.
If your property's roof has open space, and you can make the investment, a rooftop solar energy system may be right for you. Because you will be connected to Ameren's smart grid, Ameren Illinois will continue to deliver energy to your home when it needs more power ensuring you have access to a supply of energy.
If you did not answer yes to the above questions: it might be appropriate to check into Community Solar.
No. You cannot operate your private generation system until:
- Your Interconnection Application has been approved by Ameren Illinois.
- You have submitted a Certificate of Completion to Ameren Illinois in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 83 Part 466 and have received a signed Certificate of Completion from Ameren Illinois.