Solar Calculators for Chicago, Illinois
Free tools pre-loaded with Chicago sun hours, electricity rates, and Illinois net metering policy.
Peak sun hours
4
hrs/day annual avg
Avg electricity rate
15.0¢
per kWh (ComEd)
Typical install cost
$3/W
Illinois median (2026)
Typical 8 kW system in Chicago
Annual production
11,680 kWh
Year-1 savings
$1,752
System cost (est.)
$24,000
Simple payback
~14 yrs
Estimates based on 4 peak sun hours, 15.0¢/kWh, and $3/W installed cost. No federal tax credit (Section 25D expired Dec 31, 2025).
Run the numbers for Chicago
Size my system
kW needed from your bill
Pre-filled for Chicago →Savings calculator
25-year savings & ROI
Pre-filled for Chicago →Payback period
Break-even analysis
Pre-filled for Chicago →Solar potential
Address-based production
Pre-filled for Chicago →TOU optimizer
Model peak/off-peak rates
Pre-filled for Chicago →Quote checker
Is my quote a fair price?
Pre-filled for Chicago →Illinois solar incentives
Available to Chicago homeowners. Note: the federal Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025.
Check all Illinois incentives
Find Illinois incentives →