Solar savings & payback in Illinois
Illinois runs about 17¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 17¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~3.9 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
- Export credit
- Full retail (1:1)
State incentive: Illinois Shines pays upfront SREC-style incentives, a significant boost.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Illinois compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Illinois sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
17¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Higher rates make every solar kWh worth more
Solar generation
~3.9 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
11.5 years
US average: 10.6 years
Slower than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Illinois
Computed with Illinois's rate (17¢/kWh), sun (~3.9 kWh/kW/day), and full 1:1 net metering, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~468 kWh | ~$955 | ~11.5 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~702 kWh | ~$1,432 | ~11.5 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~936 kWh | ~$1,909 | ~11.5 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,170 kWh | ~$2,387 | ~11.5 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Illinois
Full retail net metering (utility-dependent as programs evolve).
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
City-level calculators in Illinois
Sun varies within the state, these pages tune the generation estimate to each metro's solar resource.
Illinois solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Illinois in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Illinois system pays for itself in about 11.5 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 17¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1), the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Illinois?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 702 kWh a month in Illinois's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Illinois?
Full retail net metering (utility-dependent as programs evolve).
Does Illinois have a state solar incentive?
Illinois Shines pays upfront SREC-style incentives, a significant boost. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Illinois?
A 7.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Illinois, that's roughly 18 modern 425W panels needing about 488 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.