Alton Steel And California Homeowners Advance Solar Power

On September 1, 2025, two major developments in the American solar energy landscape unfolded, highlighting both industrial and residential shifts toward renewable power. In Illinois, Alton Steel, a prominent steel manufacturer, announced its enrollment in a Community Solar subscription, marking a significant step in its ongoing journey toward sustainability. Meanwhile, across the country, the California State Supreme Court handed down a ruling that could reshape the future of rooftop solar for homeowners, requiring utility companies to increase payments for excess power generated by residential solar panels. Together, these stories offer a snapshot of how solar energy is transforming both the industrial heartland and the nation’s largest state.

Alton Steel, based in Alton, Illinois, operates a 200-ton electric arc furnace and a 14-inch bar mill, making it a key player in the region’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. The company’s latest move, enrolling in a Community Solar subscription, is more than just a business decision—it’s a strategic leap toward long-term sustainability and cost management. According to a statement released by Alton Steel, the subscription allows the company to support clean energy generation without the need for on-site solar installations or hefty upfront investments. Instead, Alton Steel will subscribe to off-site solar farms and receive credits on its utility bills, leading to meaningful cost savings while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient power grid.

Chris Ervin, CEO of Alton Steel, emphasized the dual benefits of this approach: “Solar energy is not just a sustainable choice; it’s a strategic one for Alton Steel. By integrating solar power into our production processes, we can reduce energy costs and enhance our operational efficiency. This transition to renewable energy is crucial for the future of our company and for the environment.”

This isn’t the company’s first foray into renewables. Alton Steel had previously installed a behind-the-meter solar system on its property to meet some of its energy needs and has plans to expand its solar capacity in the future. The latest partnership was facilitated by E4, a Chicago-based energy and sustainability consulting firm. E4 worked closely with Alton Steel to assess energy usage patterns, identify the right solar subscription opportunities, and streamline the enrollment process. The result is an agreement that not only reduces the company’s electricity expenses but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable practices.

Jonathan Siegle, Founder and Managing Member of E4, highlighted the broader implications of Alton Steel’s move: “Manufacturers like Alton Steel are proving that sustainability and industrial performance don’t have to be at odds. Community Solar offers a smart, cost-effective way for companies in heavy industry to stabilize energy expenses and participate in the clean energy transition. We’re honored to play a role in supporting that progress.”

The partnership between Alton Steel and E4 is expected to yield significant benefits, including cost savings and a stronger commitment to sustainability. “E4’s support in this transition has been invaluable. Their expertise in renewable energy solutions has enabled Alton Steel to seamlessly integrate solar power into its operations. The partnership is expected to yield significant benefits, including cost savings, and a stronger commitment to sustainable practices,” CEO Ervin noted.

Alton Steel, established in 2003, produces Special Bar Quality (SBQ) steel products such as rounds, round-cornered squares, and bar-in-coil. The company’s flexible and frequent rolling operations allow for quick response and better inventory control, all while maintaining a dedicated focus on customer service. Its current production includes a full range of carbon and alloy grades, making it a versatile supplier in the heartland of America.

This shift toward Community Solar reflects a broader trend across Illinois’ industrial landscape. Forward-thinking organizations—including manufacturers, public agencies, and large-scale energy users—are collaborating with firms like E4 to integrate renewable energy strategies that reduce costs and enhance long-term competitiveness. The message is clear: sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, even in heavy industry.

While Illinois industries make strides in solar adoption, California homeowners scored a major victory on the same day. The California State Supreme Court ruled that utility companies must increase payments to homeowners for excess power generated by rooftop solar panels. This decision comes after a contentious period in 2022, when state regulators slashed payments by 75% to homeowners producing surplus energy for the grid. The rationale at the time was to reduce energy bills for all ratepayers while still supporting renewable energy upgrades.

However, the payment cuts sparked a lawsuit from three environmental groups: the Center for Biological Diversity, the Protect Our Communities Foundation, and the Environmental Working Group. The groups argued that the cuts would disproportionately exclude low-income communities from the benefits of rooftop solar. Roger Lin, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, put it bluntly: “We don’t need [to be in] an affordability crisis if we have more local generation.”

The program at the heart of the dispute is known as “net energy metering” (NEM), which pays solar owners for the extra power they generate each month. Under earlier versions of NEM, utilities paid solar customers a retail rate for their excess energy—the same price they would charge other consumers. But with the introduction of “NEM 3.0,” customers who joined after 2023 receive a lower rate, pegged to what utilities save by not having to buy the power from the market. Those already enrolled in previous versions keep the old rate for about 20 years.

Utility commissioners defended the lower payments by arguing that non-solar customers were subsidizing those with rooftop panels, and that solar customers shouldn’t get as much back each month from the power they generated. Environmental groups, however, countered that these concerns were “overblown” given the rapid pace of solar adoption statewide.

While the Supreme Court’s ruling did not weigh in on the legality of the changes—a question that will be decided by lower courts—it may have significant positive impacts for California homeowners, regardless of whether they have solar panels. As LAist reported, the decision could encourage further investment in rooftop solar and ensure that more households, including those in lower-income neighborhoods, can participate in the clean energy transition.

For those considering solar, the timing is crucial. The 30% federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, making now an opportune moment for homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades. Tools like EnergySage help consumers compare prices between vetted contractors and estimate installation costs and incentives by state. The platform also offers resources for finding heat pump installers, further reducing household energy expenses.

The dual stories unfolding in Illinois and California underscore the evolving landscape of renewable energy in the United States. Whether it’s a steel mill in the Midwest or a homeowner in Los Angeles, the incentives and infrastructure supporting solar power are expanding. With companies like Alton Steel and advocacy groups in California leading the way, the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy is gaining momentum—one solar panel at a time.