In late October, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), a major landmark legislation that will make Illinois’ grid more resilient, add new clean energy capacity and meaningfully reduce ratepayers’ energy bills. The bill is nearly 1,000 pages long, with dozens of provisions focused on affordability. But one of the most transformative pieces is the development of a new large-scale battery and community solar + storage program.
A community solar project in Kingston, Illinois, completed by Nexamp.
The timing could not be more timely. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects to see 63 GW of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity to be added in the United States in 2025, which is nearly a 30% increase over 2024. Of the projected 63 GW for 2025, solar and battery storage together account for about 81% of the additions.
While existing projections are focused on utility-scale development, what those projections miss is the untapped potential on the distributed energy scale. Community solar, which is available in 23 states has brought clean energy to renters, low-income households and those unable to access rooftop solar. Energy storage is the missing piece community solar has been waiting for: It ensures that the sun keeps powering things even when the sun goes down. The CRGA is turning clean energy access into true resilience, and other states should take note and implement similar policies.
Lower ratepayers’ bills
After one of the most expensive summers on record for electricity bills, states urgently need solutions that can bring immediate and lasting relief to ratepayers. Solar + storage is one of the most effective solutions available. Traditional community solar helps households access clean energy and save through bill credits, but without energy storage, community solar is fundamentally an access-only tool — it gives people access to clean energy when the sun is shining. When low-cost daytime solar power is stored and used during the expensive evening peak hours, families see direct, measurable reductions on their monthly bills.
Build resiliency
An energy storage installation at a solar project. Credit: ForeFront Power
Beyond savings, community solar + storage strengthens local grids and reduces the need for costly, grid upgrades and emergency utility measures that often get passed back to customers. Storage can relieve congestion, smooth demand spikes and help utilities avoid expensive capacity price spikes.
Storage also enables communities to maintain critical services when the grid does go down. Paired with community solar, batteries can keep critical infrastructure powered during emergencies.
Growing energy demand
With energy demand rising nationwide, states need to deploy resources quickly and cost-effectively. Community solar + storage fits that need better than any other energy source on the market. Solar projects can be permitted and built in a fraction of the time it takes to construct gas plants or transmission lines, and battery storage can be added modularly, scaled as needed.
Distributed projects also support local economic development and provide capacity close to load, reducing strain on high-voltage infrastructure. In a time of growing energy demand, states that prioritize community-based solar + storage will be best equipped to keep pace with growing demand.
A strategic response to OBBBA
With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) now in effect, federal tax credits for most clean energy technologies are being phased out, creating uncertainty for states trying to meet their climate, reliability and affordability goals. But one critical exception remains: battery storage still qualifies for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Under the current rules, storage projects that begin construction before January 1, 2033, remain fully eligible, and the credit does not fully phase out until December 31, 2035. This gives states a meaningful but limited runway to expand storage deployment while federal support is still available.
By rapidly scaling solar + storage programs, states can ensure that the clean energy they’ve already built continues to deliver value despite federal rollbacks.
Integrating storage into community solar is not only a climate strategy, it’s an affordability and reliability strategy. States that act now will protect ratepayers, stabilize their grids and preserve clean energy progress. States that move quickly to integrate storage into community solar and broader energy programs can provide clean energy reliability, affordability, and protection — exactly when customers need it most.
Illinois has shown the nation what forward-looking clean energy policy can achieve. With rising energy demand, escalating climate risks, and shifting federal policy, states cannot afford to wait. Community solar + storage is the next frontier of energy equity, reliability and affordability — and Illinois is leading the way. It’s time for other states to follow.
Stephanie Burgos-Veras is a Senior Policy Manager with the Coalition for Community Solar Access, a national trade association. She is a public policy advocate, campaign strategist and community organizer with a decade of experience turning bold ideas into actionable policy. She currently resides in New York City with her family.
