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 can make you a lot of money in Illinois. Yes, we said "make!" Even though electricity prices are relatively low, the state gets enough sun that solar power can save 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.
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 installers a lump sum based on the expected value of the energy the systems they build will produce over time.
The Illinois Shines adjustable block solar grant program can provide a bunch of cash when you go solar. The program provides up-front payments in exchange for the solar enewable energy credits (SRECs) a solar system is expected to generate in its first 15 years of operation.
To participate in the program, a solar system owner must sign a contract with an Approved Vendor (generally a solar installer), who will either reduce the up-front cost of the system based on the SREC value, or pay the system owner after the program makes its payment to the Approved Vendor.
SREC values vary based on groups defined by geographic location and utility.
The average-sized solar system in Illinois (6.4 kW) is expected to generate around 122 SRECs in 15 years. With an average payment of $82.22 per SREC in ComEd territory, the program payment would equal an estimated $10,030.84. That's over half the estimated $19,200 cost to install the system.
That same 6.4-kW solar system in Ameren territory would earn $78.51 per SREC, and the program payment would equal an estimated $9,578.22.
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?
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Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
58 solar companies in Illinois provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.74 169 Reviews
Danny H, 1 week ago
This was our second solar installation. The first was with a different company, which gives me a little basis for comparison. From the start, our salesperson at CertaSun was very knowledgeable, but more importantly, very frank and un-pushy. The conversation was just us asking questions, him generously sharing his time and information, and us both figuring out what makes the most sense for us. It was clear he was not trying to railroad us into the biggest system he could, which I really appreciated. After that, everything went smoothly. The biggest difference between CertaSun and the company that did our first installation is the level of communication. CertaSun responded right away to emails and, better yet, they gave us a lot more information and contacted us whenever there was any update, so we just had fewer questions as the process unfolded. The installation all happened on schedule. CertaSun facilitated easy financing so that we didn't pay out of pocket for the amount that will be reimbursed through tax credit. CertaSun took care of the permitting and inspection through to switching on the panels. I'm confident that we have a reliable partner that we'll stick with for any needs going forward.
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Danny H, 1 week ago
This was our second solar installation. The first was with a different company, which gives me a little basis for comparison. From the start, our salesperson at CertaSun was very knowledgeable, but more importantly, very frank and un-pushy. The conversation was just us asking questions, him generously sharing his time and information, and us both figuring out what makes the most sense for us. It was clear he was not trying to railroad us into the biggest system he could, which I really appreciated. After that, everything went smoothly. The biggest difference between CertaSun and the company that did our first installation is the level of communication. CertaSun responded right away to emails and, better yet, they gave us a lot more information and contacted us whenever there was any update, so we just had fewer questions as the process unfolded. The installation all happened on schedule. CertaSun facilitated easy financing so that we didn't pay out of pocket for the amount that will be reimbursed through tax credit. CertaSun took care of the permitting and inspection through to switching on the panels. I'm confident that we have a reliable partner that we'll stick with for any needs going forward.
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, over 1 month
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, over 1 month
We had a great experience with Jason and the whole crew that erected our solar system and would recommend them to anyone.
4.56 55 Reviews
SCOTT FORD, over 1 month
EVERYONE THAT I HAD DELT WITH WAS SINCERE. I AM COMPLETLY SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE. I WOULD RECOMEND THESE GUYS 100 %
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SCOTT FORD, over 1 month
EVERYONE THAT I HAD DELT WITH WAS SINCERE. I AM COMPLETLY SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE. I WOULD RECOMEND THESE GUYS 100 %
4.51 1,943 Reviews
Sean Reidt, 4 days ago
Everything went fast and smooth. I loved how proactive they were to schedule apps and inspections for me. One employee showed up to install the panels in sweat pants and I don’t know which one but one smelt like weed.
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Sean Reidt, 4 days ago
Everything went fast and smooth. I loved how proactive they were to schedule apps and inspections for me. One employee showed up to install the panels in sweat pants and I don’t know which one but one smelt like weed.
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!
4.37 16 Reviews
Jason, over 1 month
I highly recommend RX Sun and Fresh Coast Solar for anyone looking to install solar panels on their home. I found them through Energy Sage which vastly simplified the research process and I recommend them as well. RX Sun and Fresh Coast did an excellent job from start to finish, and kept me informed throughout the process. Noah at RX Sun was very upfront and helpful in guiding through the process, including SREC which can be complicated to new buyers, and never tried to upsell me on anything I didn't need. He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. Hanna and her installer teams at Fresh Coast Solar were very efficient and friendly, and handled everything for permits and approvals. They installed the panels quickly and made sure everything was working properly. They also helped me set up the app to monitor my energy production and consumption. I was amazed to see how much electricity I was generating from the sun, and excited to see how much I will be saving on my utility bills. I was also able to take advantage of the federal rebate and Illinois state SREC incentives, which made the whole project even more affordable. It's really exciting to know that my whole home is being self-powered by the sun, and that I'm helping the environment by reducing my carbon footprint. RX Sun and Fresh Coast Solar are the best in the business, and I'm very happy with their service. Thank you!
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Jason, over 1 month
I highly recommend RX Sun and Fresh Coast Solar for anyone looking to install solar panels on their home. I found them through Energy Sage which vastly simplified the research process and I recommend them as well. RX Sun and Fresh Coast did an excellent job from start to finish, and kept me informed throughout the process. Noah at RX Sun was very upfront and helpful in guiding through the process, including SREC which can be complicated to new buyers, and never tried to upsell me on anything I didn't need. He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. Hanna and her installer teams at Fresh Coast Solar were very efficient and friendly, and handled everything for permits and approvals. They installed the panels quickly and made sure everything was working properly. They also helped me set up the app to monitor my energy production and consumption. I was amazed to see how much electricity I was generating from the sun, and excited to see how much I will be saving on my utility bills. I was also able to take advantage of the federal rebate and Illinois state SREC incentives, which made the whole project even more affordable. It's really exciting to know that my whole home is being self-powered by the sun, and that I'm helping the environment by reducing my carbon footprint. RX Sun and Fresh Coast Solar are the best in the business, and I'm very happy with their service. Thank you!
4.25 5 Reviews
Tim from Carlyle, over 1 month
I investigated two other solar companies before settling on Southern. When Michael came to my home I was immediately impressed with knowledge and candor. I presented a situation for solar that Michael was candid enough to tell me that it wasn't economical for me, rather he presented a scenario that could work. This scenario was a bit more involved, but when he ran the numbers it made so much more sense and I would save even money, so I went with it. After I gave him the down payment, work began three to four days later. They completed the work within a week. The work was clean and the place was left better than the way it was found. I didn't have internet setup at the time of installation, no problem, they told me that they would return when I had it installed. I called them when I had it and within a few days they returned and got me connected. To sum up, the pricing was super reasonable and the service was first class. You will not be disappointed!!!
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Tim from Carlyle, over 1 month
I investigated two other solar companies before settling on Southern. When Michael came to my home I was immediately impressed with knowledge and candor. I presented a situation for solar that Michael was candid enough to tell me that it wasn't economical for me, rather he presented a scenario that could work. This scenario was a bit more involved, but when he ran the numbers it made so much more sense and I would save even money, so I went with it. After I gave him the down payment, work began three to four days later. They completed the work within a week. The work was clean and the place was left better than the way it was found. I didn't have internet setup at the time of installation, no problem, they told me that they would return when I had it installed. I called them when I had it and within a few days they returned and got me connected. To sum up, the pricing was super reasonable and the service was first class. You will not be disappointed!!!
4.25 5 Reviews
Jim Camasto, over 1 month
Solar Service designs and installs the highest quality solar thermal systems in Illinois - this installation performs both hot water and (supplemental) space heating. <br />
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Jim Camasto, over 1 month
Solar Service designs and installs the highest quality solar thermal systems in Illinois - this installation performs both hot water and (supplemental) space heating. <br />
4.25 5 Reviews
americanuck, over 1 month
Jig Patel answered my inquire for answers to my home solar concerns. After about half a day of texting back and forth, I decided to meet him and get it done. As he is an independent contractor, he was able to give me the best deal amongst several competing companies. We decided to use SunRun to manage my solar and Bright Planet to install the hardware. Everything Jig promised turned out to be true. Bright Planet kept me informed every step of the way on the installation and SunRun sends out an email periodically to keep me up to date. The installation began within 3 weeks of signing the contract. Due to the weather, it was completed on 2 separate days, but the crews that came out were very friendly and knowledgeable. The installation is done very professionally and my city inspector only had good things to say about it. After signing the contract, I didn't have to do a thing. It was all taken care of by Jig, SunRun and Bright Planet. I'm more than pleased with my experience adding solar to my home.
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americanuck, over 1 month
Jig Patel answered my inquire for answers to my home solar concerns. After about half a day of texting back and forth, I decided to meet him and get it done. As he is an independent contractor, he was able to give me the best deal amongst several competing companies. We decided to use SunRun to manage my solar and Bright Planet to install the hardware. Everything Jig promised turned out to be true. Bright Planet kept me informed every step of the way on the installation and SunRun sends out an email periodically to keep me up to date. The installation began within 3 weeks of signing the contract. Due to the weather, it was completed on 2 separate days, but the crews that came out were very friendly and knowledgeable. The installation is done very professionally and my city inspector only had good things to say about it. After signing the contract, I didn't have to do a thing. It was all taken care of by Jig, SunRun and Bright Planet. I'm more than pleased with my experience adding solar to my home.