Illinois Solar Guide 2026
Everything Illinois homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about Illinois solar
Illinois Shines SREC program significantly boosts solar ROI — SRECs can add thousands of dollars in value over 15 years. Combined with full retail net metering, Illinois is one of the better Midwest states for solar.
Peak sun hours
4.4
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
15.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$3/W
before incentives
Typical payback
9 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in Illinois
Annual production
12,848 kWh
Year-1 savings
$1,927
System cost (est.)
$24,000
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Illinois Net Metering Policy
Full retail net metering
Illinois mandates full retail net metering under the Illinois Power Agency Act. ComEd and Ameren customers get retail-rate credit for exports. The Illinois Shines SREC program provides a substantial additional incentive.
Illinois Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓Illinois Shines SREC program (significant value — check IPA portal)
- ✓Illinois Solar for All (low-income)
- ✓Property tax freeze for solar
Top Utilities in Illinois
Interconnection timeline: 4–10 weeks
Calculate your Illinois solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with Illinois data. Run any tool below.