Chicago solar panels
Are you considering rooftop solar for your home or business in Chicago? Going solar in Chicago can be a smart and environmentally-friendly decision. Solar power offers numerous benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint, saving money on energy bills, and increasing the value of your property. SaveOnEnergy.com© has all the information you’ll need to secure a deal on your solar panel installation that works well for you. Read on to learn more about the cost to install solar panels for Chicago residents, the options available to access Chicago solar power, and the savings you could receive in the long term using solar.
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Cost of solar panels in Chicago
According to Find Energy data, the average Illinois solar system size and installation cost in 2023 is estimated at $26,320 for an average solar system size of 7 kilowatts (kW). The solar panel cost in Chicago will likely align with these numbers. Chicago has significant solar potential due to its geographic location and available sunlight. While it experiences seasonal variations in sunlight, it still receives sufficient solar radiation to make solar energy a viable option. With the right solar system design and installation, residents and businesses in Chicago can harness solar energy to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
How much do solar panels cost in Chicago in 2023?
The average solar system cost in Illinois is $3.76 per watt, which is slightly more expensive than the national average of $3.67. The exact cost of solar installation in Chicago will vary depending on the system size, panel type (for example, high-efficiency solar panels and solar batteries), the complexity of the installation, and financing terms and conditions. American households typically need an average of 20 solar panels to generate sufficient electricity to meet their energy requirements.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is the largest opportunity to save on your system, amounting to $7,896 off the $26,320 total cost. If you have an average monthly electricity bill of $130.02 in Chicago, installing a solar panel system could result in a payback period of approximately 12 years when factoring in the 30% federal tax credit.
Average solar panel cost by system size in Chicago
Chicago solar systems are customizable to your energy needs. If your home uses more electricity, you will need a larger solar system to fully offset your usage. Larger systems require more solar panels, resulting in a higher total cost. The following table breaks down the solar panel costs for various system sizes in Chicago, with an average price per watt of $3.76.
| System size | Total cost | Number of solar panels* |
|---|
| 5 kW | $18,800 | 13–17 |
| 7 kW | $26,320 | 18–23 |
| 9 kW | $33,840 | 23–30 |
| 11 kW | $41,360 | 28–37 |
| 13 kW | $48,880 | 33–43 |
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
The best Chicago solar incentives
Various federal, state, and local solar rebates and incentives are available to help make solar energy more affordable. A typical Chicago household can save around $7,886 with the federal tax credit, which helps you recover 30% of the cost of a solar panel installation on your taxes.
| Incentive | Local, State, or Federal? | Incentive Details |
|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal | This tax credit was expanded in August 2022 to cover 30% of the cost of a solar installation. The credit has been approved for 10 years, meaning that all solar systems installed before the end of 2032 are eligible. |
| Net metering | State | Investor-owned utilities in Illinois provide bill credits to customers when their solar installation generates excess energy, which is transferred to the grid. You’ll be credited the same amount you would have paid the utility for the energy your solar system generates. |
| Solar Express Permit Program | Local | Chicago’s Solar Express Permit Program streamlines and simplifies the permitting and zoning process for solar installations. This program has significantly cut permitting times, reducing them from an average of 30 days to just one day and fees by 25%. In some cases, projects can receive permit approval on the same day the application is submitted. |
Chicago solar companies
Chicago has a wide range of solar installers to choose from. Thanks to the generous federal and state incentives available to Chicago residents, the solar sector seems set to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Some of the top solar installers in Chicago include local, regional, and national companies:
The SaveOnEnergy marketplace partners with top-tier solar installers to inform you about their basic services, payment options, and any extra services they might offer, like solar battery installation. Fill outour solar estimator or call the number on your screen to get in touch with one of our experts and find a solar installer that fits your needs.
What to look for in a solar contractor
Hiring a professional solar installer is important to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process and make the most of your solar investment. It’s recommended to research and choose a reputable installer with a proven track record in the industry. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a solar contractor:
- Licenses: Find out if the contractor holds the necessary licenses and certifications to install solar panels in your state. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
- Experience: Pick contractors with extensive experience in the solar industry, as they are more likely to possess the knowledge and skills for an effective installation.
- Products: Inquire about the quality of the solar panels, inverters, and other components the contractor offers.
- Customer reviews: Read reviews and ratings to assess the contractor’s reputation and customer satisfaction. Request references and seek information from online forums for firsthand experiences.
Effective communication: Choose a contractor who is responsive, transparent, and willing to address your questions and concerns throughout the installation process. Also, inquire about post-installation services like maintenance and monitoring.
Is going solar in Chicago right for you?
Although purchasing solar panels is the best way to receive savings, there are other options if you want to go solar. Several routes to accessing solar energy include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leasing, and community solar.
Solar for renters
If you rent your home, installing your solar panels likely won’t be an option. Community solar allows residents of a particular area to subscribe to a central solar farm that produces energy on its participants’ behalf. These projects are typically run in areas where residents may need help accessing solar energy. For example, you may live in a low-income neighborhood or a densely populated area of Chicago where installing solar panels on roofs is difficult. Community solar is a great way to enjoy the benefits of solar without dealing with higher upfront costs.
Solar for homeowners
Homeowners can make the largest long-term savings by purchasing solar panels. If you want to install a battery with your solar system or fit solar panels on your RV, purchasing them outright makes the most sense. The federal tax credit can help you save thousands of dollars on your solar panel installation in Chicago. Additionally, you’ll be helping protect the environment by using green energy to power your home and reduce your carbon footprint. If you can’t cover the upfront cost, you may want to look into solar financing to spread out your payments.