When George Joseph in Hoffman Estates, IL, decided to go solar, he had a clear vision. He wanted a system that met his current energy needs while allowing for future expansion, particularly as he considered the possibility of owning an electric vehicle. At the same time, he needed to balance cost savings with installing a residential solar system that wouldn’t be too large for his home’s evolving needs.
Timing was also critical. With Illinois’ net metering policy set to change at the end of 2024, George knew that installing his system before the December 31st deadline was essential. Full retail net metering would allow him to earn dollar-for-dollar credits on excess energy sent back to the grid, providing significant financial benefits over the 25-year lifespan of his system.
To make the right investment, George needed more than just a solar installer—he needed a partner who could guide him through the process with expertise and transparency, ensuring his system was sized correctly and installed in time.
The 2024 solar market in Illinois was one of the most competitive in recent years. With the net metering deadline creating a surge in demand, many companies were pressuring homeowners into making quick decisions. Quotes were being requested and contracts signed within days, often without homeowners fully understanding their options.
At ilumen Solar, we took a different approach with George. Instead of pushing a fast sale, we encouraged him to slow down and explore his choices carefully. We provided honest, straightforward answers to all his questions, ensuring he understood his options without feeling rushed. Many companies were using high-pressure tactics to close deals, but we focused on what mattered most—helping George make an informed, confident decision.
By setting realistic expectations and outlining the true install timeline, we gave him the clarity he needed to move forward with confidence. That level of transparency made all the difference.
Every solar installation comes with its own set of challenges, and George’s project was no exception. While working through the permitting process, we discovered a major regulatory change on the horizon—one that could have thrown a wrench in his timeline.
The local jurisdiction was preparing to introduce a new requirement: an additional metering device for interconnection. If this hadn’t been identified early, it could have resulted in delays, potentially causing George to miss the net metering deadline
Instead of waiting for the issue to arise, we took proactive steps. We installed the required metering device at no additional cost to George—an investment of $1,200 on our part to ensure his project stayed on track. By addressing this change ahead of time, we prevented any last-minute obstacles that could have jeopardized his financial benefits.
By choosing ilumen Solar, George was able to move forward with complete peace of mind. His system was installed before the net metering deadline, ensuring he would receive full retail credit on excess energy for the entire life of his system.
The project wrapped up successfully with:
George’s solar project turned out great. Take a look at the photos below to see the final installation and how his system was designed to meet both his current and future energy needs.
At ilumen Solar, we believe that going solar isn’t just about installing panels—it’s about building a smarter, more sustainable future with the right expertise, the right approach, and a team that truly looks out for your best interests.
Thinking about solar? We’re here to help you find the right solution—without the pressure. Contact us today to get started.
