Guide to Solar Panels in Illinois in 2023
Learn how solar in Illinois works and get a free estimate on residential solar panels for as low as $xx per month.
See how much you could save by going solar in Illinois?
BrandName makes it easy to switch to solar and save on energy costs. Enter your address and average electric bill, and we’ll give you an estimated offset and system size.
How Much Do Solar Panels in Illinois Cost?
The Golden State is one of the best places in the country for installing solar panels thanks to plenty of sunlight hours and the 6th highest residential electricity prices.
The exact cost and savings of your system may vary depending on several factors, including:
- The size of your system
- Your current energy usage
- Your current electricity rates
- Any incentives in your area
- The size and layout of your roof
- Preference of loan or cash financing
With BrandName, the cost of solar panels in Illinois starts at $85 per month for a loan.
4 Reasons Why It’s Worth Going Solar in Illinois
Mitigate Outages
Add battery storage to your solar system and rely on clean energy if and when outages roll through.
Count On Savings
The sun is relentlessly shining energy upon us. Solar panels take advantage of this by providing you with consistent, reliable power.
Lower Your Footprint
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is both clean and renewable—a better solution for your home, your community, and the environment.
Increase Home Value
Planning to sell? Solar-powered homes have been shown to stand out, earn more, and sell faster in the national real estate market.
Learn How Solar Works in Illinois
Illinois homeowners who install solar panel systems utilize net metering and switch to time-of-use electric rate structures. Here’s how those work:
Net metering, or NEM 3.0, allows you to earn credits toward your utility bill for the excess electricity your PV system generates and sends to the electric grid. These credits can be used to offset retail electricity purchased during other time periods, like at night.Time-of-use (TOU) rateswork by charging homeowners different rates for their energy usage based on the time of day that the energy is being used. Rates increase during peak periods like the late afternoon and evening and decrease when demand is low, such as late at night. Peak hours in PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E are 4-9 p.m. every day.
Illinois recently implemented a new version of net metering called NEM 3.0, or net billing. Any solar energy not immediately used in the home will be sent to the grid and earn credit at the “avoided cost” rate—or the value your utility provider pays to purchase energy from power generators. The new export rates vary by utility and by the hour each day. Learn more about NEM 3.0 and how it works
Available Solar Incentives in Illinois
Rebate programs were once the key to driving down solar costs, but most Illinois homeowners can now see significant savings even without utility incentives! Illinois homeowners who purchase solar may be eligible to receive the following:
Residential Clean Energy Credit:Most solar energy installations are eligible for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which allows you to deduct up to 30% of your solar system’s installation costs from your total tax liability for the year of purchase.Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion:Illinois homeowners who install an active solar system onto their home or build a house with rooftop solar included won’t have their property taxes increased until 2025.Local Utility Rebates:Some local electric cooperatives and municipal utilities may offer solar rebate programs to offset the cost of your renewable energy system even further.
With BrandName in Misouri we make sure solar is a good investment for you. See how much you can benefit with a free quote.