IllinoisSolar Panel Costs & Savings
Illinois averages 4.0 hrs of peak sun per day with an average payback period of 9 years. Homeowners can save $32,600 over 20 years.
Peak Sun Hours
4.0 hrs
per day
6kW System Cost
$18,900
before incentives
Payback Period
9 yrs
average
20-Year Savings
$32,600
estimated
Solar Cost Breakdown in Illinois
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 6kW System Cost ($3.15/W) | $18,900 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | -$5,670 |
| Net Cost | $13,230 |
Net Metering
Full Net Metering
Electricity Rate
16.27¢/kWh
Avg Monthly Bill
$115/mo
Solar Incentives in Illinois
Illinois Solar for All
Provides incentives for low-income households, nonprofits, and environmental justice communities.
Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)
Illinois Shines provides renewable energy credits (RECs) payments for 15 years for residential solar.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal ITC allows homeowners to deduct 30% of solar installation costs from federal taxes. Available for systems installed through 2032, stepping down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
Solar Potential by ZIP Code in Illinois
| ZIP | City | Sun Hours | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62901 | Carbondale | 4.4 hrs | $1,288 | 10.3 yrs |
| 62001 | Alton | 4.3 hrs | $1,259 | 10.5 yrs |
| 62701 | Springfield | 4.2 hrs | $1,230 | 10.8 yrs |
| 61401 | Galesburg | 4.2 hrs | $1,230 | 10.8 yrs |
| 61801 | Champaign | 4.2 hrs | $1,230 | 10.8 yrs |
| 61602 | Peoria | 4.1 hrs | $1,201 | 11 yrs |
| 60901 | Kankakee | 4.1 hrs | $1,201 | 11 yrs |
| 60007 | Elk Grove Village | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60068 | Park Ridge | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60090 | Wheeling | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60101 | Addison | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60301 | Oak Park | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60601 | Chicago | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60602 | Chicago | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 61101 | Rockford | 4.0 hrs | $1,171 | 11.3 yrs |
| 60201 | Evanston | 3.9 hrs | $1,142 | 11.6 yrs |
Compare With Other States
More Data for Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?
A typical 6kW solar system in Illinois costs approximately $18,900 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit ($5,670), the net cost is approximately $13,230.
How long does solar take to pay for itself in Illinois?
The average solar payback period in Illinois is 9 years, faster than the national average of 9.4 years. After payback, homeowners enjoy free electricity for the remaining system life.
Does Illinois have net metering?
Illinois has full net metering. Homeowners receive full retail rate credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
How much sun does Illinois get for solar?
Illinois averages 4 peak sun hours per day, which is 0.5 hours below the national average. A 6kW system produces approximately 8,760 kWh per year.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: NREL, DSIRE, EIA