There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Solar makes you a lot of money in Illinois. Yes, we said "makes!" Even though electricity prices are relatively low, the state gets enough sun that solar power saves you big money from day one.
Home solar panels are cheaper than ever before. Combine the low prices with the 30% federal solar tax credit and the Illinois Shines incentive program, and a solar panel system can pay itself back quickly and give you free power for years to come!
It's a great investment to go solar as a homeowner here. Take a good look at our rundown of Illinois solar power incentives below.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Illinois homeowners
See what Illinois solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Illinois solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Illinois
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
With net metering in place, your utility must track your renewable energy production and consumption during each monthly billing cycle. Any surplus energy is carried over as a credit onto your future bills. Net metering is required to be available under Illinois law unless a cooperative or municipal cooperation supplies your electricity. So far, so good.
Illinois’ net metering policy would be just about perfect if those credits hung around indefinitely, but they don’t. At the end of every annual period, all remaining credits expire and revert back to the utility without compensation. This means that you need to make sure your solar system isn’t so big that you generate more electricity in a year than you use, not that you would want to anyway.
You may select an annual period that ends with the last day of either their April or October billing period, so at least you have some flexibility to maximize your credit usage.
Note: Illinois is studying whether it should change the net metering program. If the program is changed or done away with, it could have serious negative consequences for the financial returns of a solar installation here. Check here for updates.
Illinois does not offer any direct cash rebates for solar panels, but does offer an excellent solar program called "Illinois Shines" that pays solar system owners a lump sum based on the expected value of the energy their systems will produce over time.
The Illinois Shines adjustable block solar grant program provides a bunch of upfront cash when you go solar. When combined with the federal 30% Solar Tax Credit, it can slash the cost of installing an average 6-kilowatt solar system.
Funds are paid out upfront to your solar installer based on the expected amount of solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) your system is projected to produce over 15 years.
To get this grant, you need to sign over your SREC rights to an approved vendor or solar installer. The best installers will guarantee your payment is received out of the program. This may increase their quoted cost of your installed system, as installers usually take the Illinois Shines amount off your quoted install cost.
If you’re in Chicago and other places served by ComEd, you (or your installer) can expect to receive about $64 for each SREC your solar system produces. An average 6 kW home solar system cranks out about 110 SRECs over 15 years, netting a grant amount of about $6,600.
Illinois has a property tax incentive to encourage solar power use. When you register your solar system with the chief county assessment officer, your solar equipment will be valued at no more than the value that would be given to a conventional energy system. That’s not as clear-cut as the 100% property tax exemption we’ve seen in a lot of states, but money saved is money saved, right?
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
57 solar companies in Illinois provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.83 51 Reviews
Bike Rider, 1 week ago
Across the board everyone very knowledgable, and very responsive. First, spoke with Sherri a number of times. She was increadibly patient, experienced and help me design a ground mounted system. A challenge was combining 2 properties and we all worked through that to get them combined. With our concrete driveway, Solar Power Midwest very professionally bored under my driveway. Looks amazing in that you would never know it was installed, which is the best for me and my wife. Have and will continue to recommend. They also installed bifacial panels to help my system produce a little more power.
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Bike Rider, 1 week ago
Across the board everyone very knowledgable, and very responsive. First, spoke with Sherri a number of times. She was increadibly patient, experienced and help me design a ground mounted system. A challenge was combining 2 properties and we all worked through that to get them combined. With our concrete driveway, Solar Power Midwest very professionally bored under my driveway. Looks amazing in that you would never know it was installed, which is the best for me and my wife. Have and will continue to recommend. They also installed bifacial panels to help my system produce a little more power.
4.72 145 Reviews
Lynn G., 4 days ago
I did my research, and Certasun does not disappoint. Very happy with my Sun Power system. Looks great, functioning as promised. No ugly conduit was visible on the roof, everything is in the attic. Electrical panel on the side of the house also looks great.<br /><br />All CertaSun staff were professional: great explanations, answered all my questions, careful with my home inside and out. They work with City of Naperville a lot, so permitting and inspection were no problem.<br /><br />Office staff were responsive and made sure I knew what to expect. Worked with me on an installation date. Reserved 2 days, they had it completed in one.<br /><br />The whole process was smooth quick efficient and best of all has been producing energy saving me money since they flipped the switch.<br /><br />Love the Sun Power app. Easy to see current and past production with graphs.<br /><br />CertaSun also completes rebate and tax credit applications.<br /><br />I felt well cared for throughout the process.<br /><br />Thank you CertaSun, I have recommended you to my friends, too
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Lynn G., 4 days ago
I did my research, and Certasun does not disappoint. Very happy with my Sun Power system. Looks great, functioning as promised. No ugly conduit was visible on the roof, everything is in the attic. Electrical panel on the side of the house also looks great.<br /><br />All CertaSun staff were professional: great explanations, answered all my questions, careful with my home inside and out. They work with City of Naperville a lot, so permitting and inspection were no problem.<br /><br />Office staff were responsive and made sure I knew what to expect. Worked with me on an installation date. Reserved 2 days, they had it completed in one.<br /><br />The whole process was smooth quick efficient and best of all has been producing energy saving me money since they flipped the switch.<br /><br />Love the Sun Power app. Easy to see current and past production with graphs.<br /><br />CertaSun also completes rebate and tax credit applications.<br /><br />I felt well cared for throughout the process.<br /><br />Thank you CertaSun, I have recommended you to my friends, too
4.68 42 Reviews
Tim Epps, over 1 month
Very professional, all done none contact. They were very interested in keeping us informed as the process progressed. System looks great and is running great. They have answered all our questions and addressed any concerns.
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Tim Epps, over 1 month
Very professional, all done none contact. They were very interested in keeping us informed as the process progressed. System looks great and is running great. They have answered all our questions and addressed any concerns.
4.64 36 Reviews
Steve Haseley, 5 days ago
We had a great experience with Jason and the whole crew that erected our solar system and would recommend them to anyone.
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Steve Haseley, 5 days ago
We had a great experience with Jason and the whole crew that erected our solar system and would recommend them to anyone.
4.59 28 Reviews
Mike Green, over 1 month
My Solar System 6 months In After the Freeze last February, I was desperate to find a solution for our electrical outages in the Texas Grid. The problem was I live in all electric neighborhood, with strict deed restrictions. This eliminated a generator and made solar the most viable option. The problem occurred when looking for the best installation option. If you’re looking at solar, you have probably discovered there is no limit, to the companies that will slap panels on your roof and be gone tomorrow. It is incredibly complex process, that needs a team of knowledgeable individuals. There are city permits, homeowner association approvals, and most all feasibility measurements. What I wanted was an experienced company, with specialist in critical areas, and a credible relationship with all of their vendors. I found this in Astrawatt Solar. Astrawatt Solar took measurements of the Sun on my roof and used a software program to compute the potential Solar output from my roof. I really admired the fact, that Astrawatt would not sell a system that could not produce adequate solar energy. The most remarkable thing was that the owner of the Houston site, and the owner of the company took a personal interest in my installation. They were incredibly concerned that I have power in case of an outage. They really wanted me to be able to get an adequate battery set up and have the Solar power to run it during outages. Systems are designed to fit the greatest needs of their customers. They bent over backwards to make sure 2 5KW batteries were affordable to give me a more than adequate backup system. For less than the price of a generator, and none of the maintenance cost, I have enough reserve energy to power my house for days of outage. It was so nice to have them explain which panels they would use and why, and which batteries would work best for me. The best part of this process was that they explained all my choices, and what costs would be involved. The results is I have a beast of a system that has great production, and I have an incredible back up system for a power outage. I chose to get a Lumin panel that will allow me to control my usage during a power outage, and get the most from my available power. I not only got these things but the software and training to use them to their maximum potential. Let us talk about why I really like my decision to go with Astrawatt. After the installation one of the panels was bad. There speed of repair was amazing. I was included in an email to the vendor and kept apprised of each step to get my panel in and installed. The new panel was installed and working before my system was commissioned. Before leaving after commissioning, I was given a laminated troubleshooting sheet and a phone number to contact in case of any problems. The system has been working for 6 months now, and they always respond promptly to my questions. We also hit a major snag when my old electrical box did not meet current code. This was an endearing moment when they offered to replace the box at close to their cost. I know this because I researched what another electrical company would charge to replace it. My bid was less than 60% of the other companies price. You don’t get this kind of service unless you have a local connection with a true investment in the community. The last thing that impressed me was each one of the companies that had to give approval, had a representative that the project manager was on a first name basis with. Needless to say, I got a high quality install, with the security I need and a 3.5% to 5% return on my capital investment. The bonus of having advice on how to tweak the system to get remarkable preparedness for coming power failures. What most people are curious about would be how does the beast work in Houston climate. I was commissioned on November 2, which could not be a worse scenario, for a Houston home. My first bill was $8.00 followed by $85.00 and $158.00. What I was seeing was I got into the shortest days of the days and the inefficiency of electric heat. Starting in March the bills were -$0.89 and $9.05. Currently I am using between 15 and 20KW from the grid and exporting between 25 and 30kw a day. The summer months will definitely give more than enough surplus to pay for the winter. This is the most important part, if we get rolling blackouts during the summer heat, or long term outage from storms we will have an incredible amount of power. In the oppressive heat the system produces between 8 and 10 kw hrs and I am using a maximum of 3Kws an hr. During peak usage I am sending enough electricity downline to power 2 other houses. In summary, I got a huge prize for my investment. It is enouh energy to offset my electrical usage for a year. It takes a strain of my neighborhood, during peak usage, and it pays me more interest than if I had left the money in the bank. I also get the peace of mind, that my wife will be comfortable during any power outage. Most importantly, if I need warranty work, I am confident Astrawatt will be there and give me incredible service. It is good for the country, kind to the grid, gives me security, and is an incredible capital investment.
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Mike Green, over 1 month
My Solar System 6 months In After the Freeze last February, I was desperate to find a solution for our electrical outages in the Texas Grid. The problem was I live in all electric neighborhood, with strict deed restrictions. This eliminated a generator and made solar the most viable option. The problem occurred when looking for the best installation option. If you’re looking at solar, you have probably discovered there is no limit, to the companies that will slap panels on your roof and be gone tomorrow. It is incredibly complex process, that needs a team of knowledgeable individuals. There are city permits, homeowner association approvals, and most all feasibility measurements. What I wanted was an experienced company, with specialist in critical areas, and a credible relationship with all of their vendors. I found this in Astrawatt Solar. Astrawatt Solar took measurements of the Sun on my roof and used a software program to compute the potential Solar output from my roof. I really admired the fact, that Astrawatt would not sell a system that could not produce adequate solar energy. The most remarkable thing was that the owner of the Houston site, and the owner of the company took a personal interest in my installation. They were incredibly concerned that I have power in case of an outage. They really wanted me to be able to get an adequate battery set up and have the Solar power to run it during outages. Systems are designed to fit the greatest needs of their customers. They bent over backwards to make sure 2 5KW batteries were affordable to give me a more than adequate backup system. For less than the price of a generator, and none of the maintenance cost, I have enough reserve energy to power my house for days of outage. It was so nice to have them explain which panels they would use and why, and which batteries would work best for me. The best part of this process was that they explained all my choices, and what costs would be involved. The results is I have a beast of a system that has great production, and I have an incredible back up system for a power outage. I chose to get a Lumin panel that will allow me to control my usage during a power outage, and get the most from my available power. I not only got these things but the software and training to use them to their maximum potential. Let us talk about why I really like my decision to go with Astrawatt. After the installation one of the panels was bad. There speed of repair was amazing. I was included in an email to the vendor and kept apprised of each step to get my panel in and installed. The new panel was installed and working before my system was commissioned. Before leaving after commissioning, I was given a laminated troubleshooting sheet and a phone number to contact in case of any problems. The system has been working for 6 months now, and they always respond promptly to my questions. We also hit a major snag when my old electrical box did not meet current code. This was an endearing moment when they offered to replace the box at close to their cost. I know this because I researched what another electrical company would charge to replace it. My bid was less than 60% of the other companies price. You don’t get this kind of service unless you have a local connection with a true investment in the community. The last thing that impressed me was each one of the companies that had to give approval, had a representative that the project manager was on a first name basis with. Needless to say, I got a high quality install, with the security I need and a 3.5% to 5% return on my capital investment. The bonus of having advice on how to tweak the system to get remarkable preparedness for coming power failures. What most people are curious about would be how does the beast work in Houston climate. I was commissioned on November 2, which could not be a worse scenario, for a Houston home. My first bill was $8.00 followed by $85.00 and $158.00. What I was seeing was I got into the shortest days of the days and the inefficiency of electric heat. Starting in March the bills were -$0.89 and $9.05. Currently I am using between 15 and 20KW from the grid and exporting between 25 and 30kw a day. The summer months will definitely give more than enough surplus to pay for the winter. This is the most important part, if we get rolling blackouts during the summer heat, or long term outage from storms we will have an incredible amount of power. In the oppressive heat the system produces between 8 and 10 kw hrs and I am using a maximum of 3Kws an hr. During peak usage I am sending enough electricity downline to power 2 other houses. In summary, I got a huge prize for my investment. It is enouh energy to offset my electrical usage for a year. It takes a strain of my neighborhood, during peak usage, and it pays me more interest than if I had left the money in the bank. I also get the peace of mind, that my wife will be comfortable during any power outage. Most importantly, if I need warranty work, I am confident Astrawatt will be there and give me incredible service. It is good for the country, kind to the grid, gives me security, and is an incredible capital investment.
4.51 51 Reviews
Cory Reynolds, over 1 month
Working with Straight Up was a great experience and certainly a company I works recommend to anyone interested in going Solar. Andrew Stetter was my initial contact and shared all of the pertinent info to help me know that this was the way we wanted to go.
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Cory Reynolds, over 1 month
Working with Straight Up was a great experience and certainly a company I works recommend to anyone interested in going Solar. Andrew Stetter was my initial contact and shared all of the pertinent info to help me know that this was the way we wanted to go.
4.47 1,736 Reviews
Jonathan Lowe, 4 days ago
I was quite pleased with my solar panel purchase from Blue Raven and overjoyed to hear they are now offering battery options as well. Getting set up for my solar batteries was a breeze. Chris Postin facilitated the process from start to finish and made things extremely easy. He was professional, courteous and more than happy to answer all of my questions. Looking forward to my install. Highly recommended!!!
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Jonathan Lowe, 4 days ago
I was quite pleased with my solar panel purchase from Blue Raven and overjoyed to hear they are now offering battery options as well. Getting set up for my solar batteries was a breeze. Chris Postin facilitated the process from start to finish and made things extremely easy. He was professional, courteous and more than happy to answer all of my questions. Looking forward to my install. Highly recommended!!!
4.42 22 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Midwest installed an 18.9 kw ground mounted system for us that was an especially challenging set of circumstances. Without going into all the details, let's just say they went above and beyond to do whatever it took to make this work, and stayed at their quoted amount even after a lot of challenges. Top notch organization!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
Midwest installed an 18.9 kw ground mounted system for us that was an especially challenging set of circumstances. Without going into all the details, let's just say they went above and beyond to do whatever it took to make this work, and stayed at their quoted amount even after a lot of challenges. Top notch organization!
4.35 23 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunLight Solutions has solved our high energy bills. Our electric bills keep increasing and now after our solar panels have been installed our first bill has shown a nearly 50% decrease. Everyone at Solar Energy has been so friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Keeping in touch with us and letting us know what to expect with every step was so helpful and we found it to be very comforting.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
SunLight Solutions has solved our high energy bills. Our electric bills keep increasing and now after our solar panels have been installed our first bill has shown a nearly 50% decrease. Everyone at Solar Energy has been so friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Keeping in touch with us and letting us know what to expect with every step was so helpful and we found it to be very comforting.
4.34 15 Reviews
M C, 3 weeks ago
RXSun was very easy to work with throughout the entire process from quoting, to installing, to the go live. Their suggested system configuration met our needs and getting our first $0 electric bill felt great.
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M C, 3 weeks ago
RXSun was very easy to work with throughout the entire process from quoting, to installing, to the go live. Their suggested system configuration met our needs and getting our first $0 electric bill felt great.