ConnectDER Achieves Major Utility Approvals for Energy Solutions in Illinois

ConnectDER has made headlines by securing crucial approvals from major Illinois utilities, ComEd and Ameren. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the installation of residential distributed energy resources (DERs), specifically solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. With this new backing, installation processes can now be streamlined, helping to lower costs and reduce timelines for a majority of homeowners throughout the state.

Streamlined Installation Processes

ConnectDER's innovative meter socket adapters allow for quick and easy plug-and-play installations. By interfacing directly with utility meter sockets, these devices simplify the connection of residential energy systems, making it easier for homeowners to transition to renewable energy solutions. Previously, these installations often required extensive electrical work, such as main panel upgrades, which could run into thousands of dollars and extend timelines due to the complexity involved. However, the approval of ConnectDER's products means installers can avoid these costly and time-consuming processes, enabling them to complete more jobs per week and significantly increasing their profitability.

Expanding National Reach

This approval also expands ConnectDER's growing footprint, now encompassing a total of 47 utilities that serve over 30 million households across the United States. As of now, this number is expected to exceed 50 million by 2026, further solidifying ConnectDER's position as a leader in the renewable energy sector. Ivo Steklac, President and CEO of ConnectDER, stated, "Achieving approval from major utilities like ComEd and Ameren is a big win for our Midwest installer partners and the great residents of The Prairie State."

The benefits extend beyond affordability and convenience. By simplifying installations, the company helps mitigate the risks for homeowners who might deal with older homes that could require further electrical adjustments. In Illinois, a significant portion of homes were built before the 1980s and have outdated electrical systems, often unable to accommodate modern electrification demands. This poses a considerable hurdle in adopting clean energy solutions, making the need for products that simplify installations ever more urgent.

Supporting Clean Energy Initiatives

The timing of these approvals is also significant for Illinois as the state approaches multiple initiatives aimed at bolstering clean energy adoption. With the federal tax credit for rooftop solar set to expire at the end of 2025, the state has introduced the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act. This legislation promotes residential battery adoption through a new Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program that offers customers financial incentives for installing battery systems paired with solar panels.

In addition, this program adds a layer of urgency to the usage of ConnectDER’s products, especially with the increasing adoption rate of battery storage systems. Illinois has one of the highest rates of battery attachment in the nation, paving the way for ConnectDER's meter socket adapters to play a pivotal role in future installations.

Brad Ingram, Director of Hardware Engineering at Sunrun, noted that partnerships with companies like ConnectDER are essential for enhancing customer satisfaction. Models like the IslandDER™, which combines crucial functions into a single, efficient device, are particularly promising for setting the stage for home battery backup systems.

A Collaborative Future

A.J. Biango, owner of Sparc Solar EV Solutions in Illinois, shared how ConnectDER's EV meter socket adapter has become essential for their installations. By avoiding the need for main panel upgrades, they are not only able to save time and costs but also provide more competitive quotes to homeowners. In a market where customers actively compare prices, having innovative solutions at their disposal acts as a significant advantage for installers.

Moving forward, ConnectDER aims to continue these collaborative efforts with installers and utilities alike to enhance the market's ability to meet growing clean energy demands. As the landscape of energy consumption shifts, having robust and reliable support systems in place will be essential for helping residents transition smoothly to renewable solutions.

Conclusion

With ConnectDER’s advancements and approvals in Illinois, the future of residential renewable energy looks more accessible and affordable than ever before. The company’s efforts represent an important shift in energy accessibility, significantly lowering barriers for homeowners while inviting a broader adoption of cleaner energy technologies. As they continue to navigate this evolving landscape, it is clear that ConnectDER is positioned at the forefront of this sustainable energy revolution, setting an example for other regions.