Cost of Solar Panels in Illinois (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?

With professional installation, a typical 10-kilowatt (kW) residential solar panel system in Illinois costs $28,139. That price drops to $19,697 after the full federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your overall solar costs.

The table below doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which is sometimes as expensive as the panels. On the high end, Joseph in Illinois paid $95,000 for a renewable energy system.

A typical Illinois household needs a system with a capacity of 7.3 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. You might need a smaller or larger system depending on your household energy usage.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Illinois

Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?

Installing solar panels leads to big long-term savings on electricity bills for Illinois homeowners. On average, you’ll spend $9,849 to $28,139 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same time period, you’d avoid approximately $57,382 in total utility costs.

But it doesn't work out for everyone. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence. Many Illinois residents seem happy with solar.

Real-world examples

“Going solar has saved my life,” Valerie in Chicago told us. Her bill went from around $200 to $40. Many others also like getting constantly cheaper energy costs. “So far, everything’s working fine and my bill always stays the same, $76 a month all year round,” James in Kingston told us. “Going solar is the best thing I ever did.”

Another resident, Kathy in New Lenox, said she “loves getting this $14 ComEd bill” since going solar.

Similarly, Jake in Germantown Hills said he likes that he has locked energy costs for the next 20 or 30 years: “When power prices go up in the future I won't have to worry about it because my home is powered by the sun!”

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar cost factors in Illinois

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar equipment

Like most things, high-quality panels are more expensive, but they often pay off in the long run with better performance and durability.

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. It’s a must if you want real energy independence, and they sometimes cost as much as the panels. Battery prices depend on the storage capacity, brand and other factors. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, a stand-alone monitoring system costs $80 to $400.

Size of your system

The cost difference between a 6-kilowatt and 7-kilowatt system can be thousands of dollars. To estimate what size system you need, first look up how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year on your electricity bill. Divide that number by 1,200. This will be roughly the system size you need. For example, if your home used 12,000 kWh last year, you would need a 10-kW system.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, so you need your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall them again. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to do that before getting solar panels.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you get a solar energy system.

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs.

However, there are pros and cons to DIY solar to consider. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

How to save money on solar panels in Illinois

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Illinois:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in Illinois. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value. Don't just go with the cheapest option without vetting quality and services.
• Lower your electrical load: Before going solar, it’s smart to upgrade any old appliances. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.
• Explore payment options: Affordable financing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable. For instance, leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can let you start saving from day one with little or no money down.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Illinois

Several Illinois solar incentives help make going solar more affordable. For instance, the Illinois Shines and Solar for All programs both help reduce upfront costs and ensure long-term savings on energy bills. They are especially beneficial for low-income households, offering savings and an opt-in to solar for more residents.

How net metering works in Illinois

Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. Net metering also lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits can offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times.

In Illinois, net metering used to let solar homeowners get a 1:1 bill credit at the retail rate for any extra electricity they send to the grid. However, this is no longer the case for new installations in 2025. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) ended full retail rate net metering for new residential and small commercial customers who applied for interconnection on or after Jan. 1, 2025.

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) vs. net metering

Illinois has a separate program called "Illinois Shines" (previously the Adjustable Block Program) that compensates homeowners for the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) their system produces. RECs are separate and not part of net metering. They are a separate environmental commodity:

• RECs (Renewable Energy Credits) represent the environmental value of the energy generated (e.g., 1 MWh = 1 REC) and are often sold separately, under programs like Illinois Shines.
• Net metering credits, by contrast, are accounting credits that reduce your electricity bill, not environmental certificates.

How can I pay for solar panels in Illinois?

You have options when it comes to paying for your solar system. You can pay cash upfront, take out a solar loan, lease your system or get a power purchase agreement (PPA).

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan. Solar loan terms typically last eight to 20 years.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.
• Power purchase agreement: A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. The Illinois Shines program offers PPAs, which allow residents to buy electricity generated by solar panels installed on their property by a third party. The program also makes sure savings from Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are passed on to customers. However, the compounding nature of annual increases in the PPA price could lead to higher-than-expected costs over time, according to the sample disclosure form.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Compare solar installation companies in Illinois

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Illinois.

FAQ

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Illinois homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the overall costs of going solar in Illinois and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Illinois and nearby states