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Illinois · IL

Solar Panels in Illinois:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Illinois averages 1277.4 kWh per kWp per year with 4.6 peak sun hours per day. At 16.36¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,672/year and pays back in about 9 years.

Illinois Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.6 hrs
Avg solar yield1277.4 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate16.36¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)9 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,672/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Illinois

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

Illinois Shines SREC incentive, ComEd/Ameren utility rebates, property tax exemption

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Illinois

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
SREC Market — Earn certificates for energy produced
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Illinois Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 6 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Chicago
1269.1 kWh/kWp · 9.1 yr payback
Aurora
1287.8 kWh/kWp · 9 yr payback
Joliet
1278.5 kWh/kWp · 9 yr payback
Naperville
1266.8 kWh/kWp · 9.1 yr payback
Rockford
1286.5 kWh/kWp · 9 yr payback
Springfield
1397.2 kWh/kWp · 13.6 yr payback
Elgin
1275.4 kWh/kWp · 9.1 yr payback
Peoria
1399.2 kWh/kWp · 13.6 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Illinois.

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All Illinois incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Illinois?
Generally yes — solar makes financial sense in Illinois for most homeowners. The 9.0-year payback is near the national average. At 16.36¢/kWh, annual savings on an 8 kW system run approximately $1,296. Illinois' SREC market (Illinois Shines) can add $30–$60/month in additional income on top of bill savings.
What solar incentives are available in Illinois?
Illinois homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through ComEd / Ameren. Illinois' SREC market (Illinois Shines) can add $30–$60/month in additional income on top of bill savings.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Illinois?
Illinois averages 1277.4 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 15% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 10,219 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 106.5 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Illinois produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?
The average 8 kW system in Illinois costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and cold winters and variable cloud cover.

Going Solar in Illinois: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Illinois. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Illinois average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 16.36¢/kWh in Illinois, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Illinois does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. Illinois Shines SREC incentive.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Illinois typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Illinois: Illinois averages 1277.4 kWh/kWp/year with 4.6 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 16.36¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,672/year and pays back in 9.0 years. Illinois Shines SREC incentive, ComEd/Ameren utility rebates, property tax exemption.