ComEd rates have risen over 40% since 2019. The Illinois Shines program pays you for every kilowatt your panels produce — but most homeowners don't even know it exists. Here's everything you need to know.
Calculate My Illinois Savings →The federal ITC lets you deduct 30% of your total solar system cost from your federal income taxes — dollar for dollar. On a $25,000 system, that's $7,500 back. Available through 2032.
Illinois pays solar owners for every kilowatt-hour their panels produce through Solar Renewable Energy Credits. This program can add $5,000–$15,000 in value over the life of your system — on top of your electricity savings.
Illinois exempts all solar equipment from the state sales tax. On a $25,000 system, that's $1,562 in immediate savings before you even flip the switch.
Solar panels increase your home's value by an average of 4% — but Illinois exempts that added value from property taxes for 20 years. You get the equity without the tax bill.
Both ComEd and Ameren offer net metering — when your panels produce more power than you use, the excess goes back to the grid and you receive a credit on your bill at the full retail rate.
Most Illinois homeowners qualify for $0 down solar loans. Your monthly payment is typically less than your current ComEd bill — meaning you save money from day one.
Based on a Chicago-area homeowner paying $220/month to ComEd, with a south-facing roof and minimal shade:
Every home is different. Run the free calculator to see your exact numbers.
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Yes. Solar panels work on light, not heat — and actually perform slightly better in cold temperatures. Illinois averages 4.2 peak sun hours per day, which is sufficient for a strong return on investment. Snow slides off most angled panels within hours.
Illinois Shines (the Adjustable Block Program) is a state-run program that pays solar owners for the renewable energy their panels produce. You receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that are purchased by utilities at a fixed price for 15 years.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess is sent to the grid and ComEd credits your account at the full retail rate. These credits roll over monthly and offset future bills.
From signing to system activation, most Illinois installations take 6–12 weeks. The installation itself takes 1–2 days. The rest of the time is permitting, utility interconnection approval, and inspection.
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