Illinois' Power Agency Act and Public Utilities Act required that Commonwealth Edison and Ameren - two electric utilities with operations in the state - buy 0.5 percent of their electricity from solar sources by 2015. With the law enacted this week, that date moves up to June 1, 2012.
In June 2013, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren will have to buy 1.5 percent of their energy from solar installations; the mandate ramps up to 3 percent in 2014 and 6 percent the following year.
"We must do everything we can to increase our use of solar energy, which will help us protect natural resources and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources, such as foreign oil," Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said in signing the solar legislation Tuesday.
A separate bill, also enacted this week, will require homeowners' associations to allow people to install solar power systems. That law - which takes effect in January 2011 - will help remove a potential stumbling block for Illinois homeowners considering a solar installation.
