summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to prohibit a county or municipality from adopting any ordinance or resolution that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system or low voltage solar powered device. Provides that, in any litigation arising under the Act or involving the application of the Act, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Exempts from the Act any building that: (1) is greater than 60 feet in height or (2) has a shared roof and is subject to a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act may apply to a shared roof if: (1) the solar energy system is located entirely within that portion of the shared roof owned and maintained by the property owner and (2) all property owners sharing the shared roof are in agreement to install a solar energy system. Amends the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act to make the same changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that residential and small commercial customers of an electric cooperative and municipal utility system have the right to interconnect renewable energy systems sized up to and including 25 kW AC. Provides that the policies of municipal utility systems and electrical cooperatives regarding self-generation and credits for excess electricity shall be consistent with specified standards. Requires each electric cooperative and municipal utility system to update its policies to comply with the standards within days after the amendatory Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive Solar Bill of Rights in Illinois that prohibits counties, municipalities, and homeowners' associations from creating ordinances or rules that prevent the installation of solar energy systems or low-voltage solar powered devices. The bill defines various solar-related terms, including solar collectors, solar energy systems, and low-voltage solar powered devices (such as solar-powered doorbells or security systems). Key provisions include guaranteeing residential and small commercial customers the right to install renewable energy systems up to 25 kW AC, requiring electric cooperatives and municipal utilities to provide fair credits for excess electricity, and establishing consistent standards for solar system interconnection. The legislation applies to most buildings, with exceptions for structures over 60 feet tall or buildings with shared roofs subject to homeowners' associations, though even these exceptions have specific conditions where solar installations may still be permitted. Additionally, the bill ensures that in any legal disputes related to solar rights, the prevailing party can recover costs and attorney's fees. Municipalities that own local electric distribution systems can still adopt reasonable policies regarding solar system interconnection, and the bill aims to create a more accessible and transparent process for customers interested in generating their own renewable energy.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/18/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3322&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3322.htm |
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