Illinois residents are on board with increasing solar power usage to support clean energy sources. A 2019 poll shows that 80 percent of Illinois residents would choose clean energy if given the option. The Solar Energy Industries Association projects installed solar capacity in the state to increase by 1,700 percent over the next five years. This will certainly help Illinois achieve its Renewable Portfolio Standard, requiring them to generate 25 percent of the state’s energy from renewable sources by 2025. Find out how moving to solar can save money and the environment.
Illinois’s Solar
Report Card
To determine a grade for each state, our researchers and solar experts analyzed data on crucial solar-advancement criteria from the following sources:
- Rebates, Tax Credits, and Tax Exemptions from Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency;
- Electricity Rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration;
- Renewable Energy Policy from NC Clean Energy Technology Center;
- Interconnection Ease from Freeing The Grid;
- Photovoltaic Potential from the Energy Department
We determined a rank from 1 to 10 for each state in each category. We then combined the scores with the following weights and assigned an overall grade for each state. Our goal is to encourage those considering solar for their homes to get a basic understanding of solar potential in their areas and discover the best opportunities for clean energy available.
Incentives & Rebates, 40%
Electricity Rate, 15%
Renewable Energy Policy, 30%
Interconnection Ease, 5%
Photovoltaic Potential, 10%
Electricity Expenses in Illinois
Residents in several Illinois service territories have the unique advantage of being able to choose their own electric service provider. This competition helps the state keep its overall energy costs around $0.125, near the national average of $0.13. Low rates tend to mean slower adoption of solar technologies. But with the support of residents, this trend may change in the future as national energy rates continue to rise.
Cost of Residential Electricity
Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*as of Q3 2015
Illinois
Policy & Resources
Solar Policies & Incentives
A number of savings opportunities are available for those looking to go solar in Illinois. These measures by the federal government and state legislature are an effort to help promote cleaner power across the country. Some programs allow rebates of the cost of the system or installation while others offer loan programs for both residential and commercial solar. And net metering allows consumers to “earn back” the cost of the power they generate but do not use. This can turn a homeowner’s solar panels into a budget coup.
REBATES/INCENTIVES
The state’s Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund promotes the development of small-scale solar systems. Residential photovoltaic systems can receive rebates at $1.50 per watt or 25 percent of project costs with a maximum of $10,000. Commercial project rebates are at $1.25/w or 25 percent of project costs with a maximum of $20,000. The rebate caps are subject to change.
None specific to residential
The city will reimburse qualifying owners for improvements and upgrades, including installing solar photovoltaic systems, of up to 75 percent of the costs depending on the size of the applicant. The average grant amount is $40,000 and is paid after the work is completed.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Project FinancingCommercial and nonprofit entities may be eligible for funds from the Illinois Finance Authority. Entities must show their projects, including renewable energy projects, provide a significant public benefit.
POLICIES
The Illinois Power Agency Act requires 25 percent of eligible retail electricity sales to be from renewable resources by 2025, including six percent from solar energy. The law covers large investor-owned utilities but does not cover electric cooperatives and municipal utilities.
Net MeteringResidential and commercial customers with systems up to 2,000 kW that generate electricity for their own use may qualify for net metering, which provides credits for excess generated energy.
City of Chicago – Solar Express Permit ProgramThe permitting and zoning process for rooftop photovoltaic installations has been standardized and streamlined. Most qualifying projects of all sizes can receive same-day approval at a reduced fee of $275. Small PV systems are considered those with a 13.44 kW capacity or less. Large systems generate more than 13.44 kW.
Interconnection StandardsThe Illinois Commerce Commission sets and oversees standards for interconnection for renewable energy systems. Four levels of review for interconnection requests are based on size and usage. All systems are required to have a disconnect switch and systems larger than 1 MW must carry certain amounts of liability insurance.
Homeowners associations, including condominiums, may not prevent homeowners from installing and using solar energy systems, but they may specify the location as long as the location does not affect the efficiency of the system. Associations must develop an energy policy that specifies location, design and any structural requirements.
None specific to commercial
TAX CREDITS
None
None specific to residential
None specific to commercial
EXEMPTIONS
A special assessment is required for property tax exemptions to ascertain the value of improvements to a home or business from a solar energy system. The exemption is only for equipment that is not equally usable in a conventional energy system.
None specific to residential
None specific to commercial
Illinois Companies, Contractors & Installers
There are many solar companies and contractors ready to help residents of Illinois. Read on for a list of just a few of these organizations.
Ailey Solar is a cooperatively owned organization that installs and designs solar systems.
Where it operatesChicago, IL
Year of opening2012
A female minority-owned company, Earth, Wind & Solar installs renewable energy systems and energy efficiencies.
Where it operatesChicago, IL
Year of opening2008
Green Guy Solutions provides solar installation services for commercial and residential customers.
Where it operatesMatteson, IL
Year of opening2006
Green Power is a general construction company that uses green materials and processes, offering alternative energy design and installation.
Where it operatesChicago, IL
Year of opening2001
Hummingbird Electric is a licensed electrical contractor that installs solar panels.
Where it operatesPalatine, IL
Year of opening2000
This locally owned company is family operated and provides solar energy design, installation, maintenance, and service.
Where it operatesSomonauk, IL
Year of opening2010
Magitek creates expandable solar systems that can grow with the customer’s energy needs and all systems include web-based monitoring.
Where it operatesJohnsburg, IL
Year of opening2008
Midwest has an optional “grid-enabled” solar and wind power system and can install solar thermal, pool heating and solar water heating systems.
Where it operatesPeoria, IL
In addition to designing and installing solar energy solutions, Power Solutions Plus helps customers apply for incentives and grants that help to save on costs.
Where it operatesSt. Anne, IL
Tick Tock Energy provides customized plans to help homeowners implement energy plans to save money.
Where it operatesEffingham, IL
Year of opening2006
WCP is an engineering firm specializing in the design, development, and installation of solar systems.
Where it operatesNaperville, IL
Further Reading on Solar Panels in Illinois
The first step in converting to solar energy is educating yourself about the benefits and the costs. These websites can help you get started.
Established in 1954, the ASES is a group of solar professionals and advocates and acts as a catalyst in advancing solar and renewable energy.
This extensive list of incentives, rebates and grants available for residents who go solar includes links to the programs for easy access.
This government body regulates electricity rates and provides detailed information about programs and initiatives, rules and workshops as well as policies that impact power in the state.
This nonprofit organization helps to promote the application of solar energy and other renewable resources. It helps to drive policy and educate the public about renewable energy.
Find facts about Illinois solar energy and some notable solar projects in the state.