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 1.
Since home solar is cheaper than ever before, which, combined with the Feds' 26% solar tax credit and Illinois's new direct SREC payments, means a solar panel system pays itself back quickly and makes you lots of money over its 25-year warrantied life!
Illinois’ adjustable solar block grant program, aka “Illinois Shines”, continues to produce strong results for homeowners and installers alike in 2020. However, there’s a need for state lawmakers to get more aggressive here with a solar energy harvesting requirement for utilities so the state can hit its 25% renewable energy goal by 2025.
Regardless, it's still a very wise move 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 is required to track your renewable energy production and consumption during each monthly billing cycle. Any surplus you produce is carried over as a credit onto your future bills. Net metering is required to be available for you under Illinois law, unless your electricity is supplied by a cooperative or municipal cooperation. 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.
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 a bit of flexibility to maximize your credit usage. What this means is 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.
Note: Illinois is studying whether changes should be made to 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 26% Solar Tax Credit, it can slash your solar installation costs by up to 65% on an average sized 6kW 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 $70 for each SREC your solar system produces. An average 6kW home solar system cranks out about 110 SRECs over 15 years, netting a grant amount of almost $8,000.
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?
If you live in other parts of the state, SREC prices are slightly higher at $82, for even more upfront savings.
We are not tax advisors, but there are no official letters from the federal government that state the value of the SRECs should be taken before the 26% federal solar tax credit.
Since the SRECs are actually paid out up front over a 15 year period, it would not match the yearly income threshold, and no 1099 will be issued. Basically, for most quoting calculations, you can expect to see the federal tax credit taken off of the complete system price and then see the SRECs amount deducted. Your installer will probably refer to them as SRECs or RECs instead of a grant or rebate, because of the tax implications, and they are specifically “Energy Certificates”.
Regardless, while you are selling your SRECs, it could be considered income. We recommend connecting with your tax preparer for more guidance.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
53 solar companies in Illinois provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 50 Reviews
Ramona and son Greg, 3 weeks ago
I went on line to search internet for information on solar. I have never invested time or effort in solar. And no one in my family has. I went of a solar website to help homeowners try and learn about solar with all the vast amounts of information. It told me panels, materials, Federal Rebates, Illinois Rebates, warranties and more. I am very thorough as is my son Greg. We made a list of items we wanted to have done and what to avoid, as a lot of scary stories on the internet. My first 2 estimates I was not impressed at all. They sales reps were not knowledgeable and only seemed to want to pressure me to buy now, now, now, without even answers a few of my questions. My son and I almost stopped looking for solar. Then our Ameren bill came in $200 higher for our small house. We had to do something. I saw Solar Power MIdwest on line. I researched about them. I was very impressed. All the great reviews about them from so many people. My son said we should have them out. The woman sherri on the phone was so nice and professional and right away told me about inverters and solar panels than I could even keep up with. From her relaxed and professional attitude we invited them out. Dave and Angela showed up. They very nice, and answered all our questions. Dave was so patient, knowledgeable. Not only did he answer all our questions, he slowly brought up real concerns and challenges going solar. He showed Greg and I the whole process simply so we could understand. And answered all of them. He also said that they are very very good at what they do (as I read online), he said sometimes things are bumpy. Greg and I were so happy when they left. Most times after we buy we are nervous and ask ourselves if we did the right thing. Not here. On to installation. There were some issues with the weather, as it rained both times they came out, and deliveries from there suppliers. Our interconnection is so bad where we live in a very small town. The crew of guys were so nice. They worked through it all. What really made me happy is after they were done. When I went to Church the next day Solar Power Midwest seemed to be the talk of our little town. Why? The said how impressed the were with the crew. They knew I work and if the rain caused a delay, I would have to take another day off. They stayed until 6:10Pm on a Saturday. My neighbors even told me how they turned on their truck lights to be able to see. Earlier that day Robert, the crew leader, called Dave, our Saleman and President of the company, they needed parts. No suppliers open. And closed on Sunday. They knew I wanted it done by end of Sunday. Dave amazed me, he drove out 3 hours and delivered the parts needed. Wow. That was impressive. The crew worked all day on Sunday and the job is done. Sherri called and let me know all my paperwork for the state srecs was already done that Sunday night. All that above is best experience I have ever had. That is not the best part.... Dave made a big point at the time of sale, and what I wanted to hear. He said he can not stay on hold when he calls companies, push bottons, talk to people that don't know anything, on and on. I think we all know this. He said he grew up in the 80's and you answer the phone, not sit on hold. He made it a big point. Well that is what impressed me the most. When I called Dave he either answered or called me right back. When I called their office Sherri or their nice Production Manager Stephanie answered the phone. Job done well beyond my experiences in life and what I expected. Oh, one last point. I was talking to Dave about how my shower install company had gone out of business, as did the manufacturer. He said he could not promise it, yet, his guys are good at fixing things as many installing for many years, and construction back grounds. And they love helping people. Looking forward to it.
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Ramona and son Greg, 3 weeks ago
I went on line to search internet for information on solar. I have never invested time or effort in solar. And no one in my family has. I went of a solar website to help homeowners try and learn about solar with all the vast amounts of information. It told me panels, materials, Federal Rebates, Illinois Rebates, warranties and more. I am very thorough as is my son Greg. We made a list of items we wanted to have done and what to avoid, as a lot of scary stories on the internet. My first 2 estimates I was not impressed at all. They sales reps were not knowledgeable and only seemed to want to pressure me to buy now, now, now, without even answers a few of my questions. My son and I almost stopped looking for solar. Then our Ameren bill came in $200 higher for our small house. We had to do something. I saw Solar Power MIdwest on line. I researched about them. I was very impressed. All the great reviews about them from so many people. My son said we should have them out. The woman sherri on the phone was so nice and professional and right away told me about inverters and solar panels than I could even keep up with. From her relaxed and professional attitude we invited them out. Dave and Angela showed up. They very nice, and answered all our questions. Dave was so patient, knowledgeable. Not only did he answer all our questions, he slowly brought up real concerns and challenges going solar. He showed Greg and I the whole process simply so we could understand. And answered all of them. He also said that they are very very good at what they do (as I read online), he said sometimes things are bumpy. Greg and I were so happy when they left. Most times after we buy we are nervous and ask ourselves if we did the right thing. Not here. On to installation. There were some issues with the weather, as it rained both times they came out, and deliveries from there suppliers. Our interconnection is so bad where we live in a very small town. The crew of guys were so nice. They worked through it all. What really made me happy is after they were done. When I went to Church the next day Solar Power Midwest seemed to be the talk of our little town. Why? The said how impressed the were with the crew. They knew I work and if the rain caused a delay, I would have to take another day off. They stayed until 6:10Pm on a Saturday. My neighbors even told me how they turned on their truck lights to be able to see. Earlier that day Robert, the crew leader, called Dave, our Saleman and President of the company, they needed parts. No suppliers open. And closed on Sunday. They knew I wanted it done by end of Sunday. Dave amazed me, he drove out 3 hours and delivered the parts needed. Wow. That was impressive. The crew worked all day on Sunday and the job is done. Sherri called and let me know all my paperwork for the state srecs was already done that Sunday night. All that above is best experience I have ever had. That is not the best part.... Dave made a big point at the time of sale, and what I wanted to hear. He said he can not stay on hold when he calls companies, push bottons, talk to people that don't know anything, on and on. I think we all know this. He said he grew up in the 80's and you answer the phone, not sit on hold. He made it a big point. Well that is what impressed me the most. When I called Dave he either answered or called me right back. When I called their office Sherri or their nice Production Manager Stephanie answered the phone. Job done well beyond my experiences in life and what I expected. Oh, one last point. I was talking to Dave about how my shower install company had gone out of business, as did the manufacturer. He said he could not promise it, yet, his guys are good at fixing things as many installing for many years, and construction back grounds. And they love helping people. Looking forward to it.
4.77 122 Reviews
Mr. Z., over 1 month
Certasun was very upfront and transparent about every step of the process. There were some delays that really happened because of my local municipality taking pretty long to approve and issue permits. Then ComEd also took their time to approve the project. Certasun staff were there with us every step of the way. My experience so far is that they use the top of the line products and are the top rated installers in our state. I am the type of person that looks up 8 to 10 companies. Certasun beat the competition even price wise. If you are looking for solar panels in the state of Illinois, you should definitely give them a call.
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Mr. Z., over 1 month
Certasun was very upfront and transparent about every step of the process. There were some delays that really happened because of my local municipality taking pretty long to approve and issue permits. Then ComEd also took their time to approve the project. Certasun staff were there with us every step of the way. My experience so far is that they use the top of the line products and are the top rated installers in our state. I am the type of person that looks up 8 to 10 companies. Certasun beat the competition even price wise. If you are looking for solar panels in the state of Illinois, you should definitely give them a call.
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 33 Reviews
Daniel Teel, over 1 month
They were professional, thorough, and great to work with!
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Daniel Teel, over 1 month
They were professional, thorough, and great to work with!
4.48 1,629 Reviews
johnnie moore, 1 week ago
installation eight weeks ago an still not on line schedule appointment go by no show or call would not do again
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johnnie moore, 1 week ago
installation eight weeks ago an still not on line schedule appointment go by no show or call would not do again
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!
4.34 44 Reviews
Dave Wrobel, over 1 month
We were presented with a $3500 added cost for 3-9 foot piers in concrete for our ground mount array only after having paid over half of the $25,000 cost - when they presented their pre-permit request for approval. One would think this was predictable. We're considering cancellation, costing at least $1000, rather than risk further surprises.
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Dave Wrobel, over 1 month
We were presented with a $3500 added cost for 3-9 foot piers in concrete for our ground mount array only after having paid over half of the $25,000 cost - when they presented their pre-permit request for approval. One would think this was predictable. We're considering cancellation, costing at least $1000, rather than risk further surprises.
4.34 25 Reviews
JVP, over 1 month
Words cannot explain or do Jaime Wilson justice for the amazing customer service that we received from her and her staff. There are always bumps in the road, and things that are out of our control. The communication was better than we expected!!!! I would highly recommend Trom Solar for your solar needs. They are professional and cannot speak highly enough of them. Don't make a mistake and go with anyone else... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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JVP, over 1 month
Words cannot explain or do Jaime Wilson justice for the amazing customer service that we received from her and her staff. There are always bumps in the road, and things that are out of our control. The communication was better than we expected!!!! I would highly recommend Trom Solar for your solar needs. They are professional and cannot speak highly enough of them. Don't make a mistake and go with anyone else... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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.
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 />