Solar savings & payback in Chicago
Illinois Shines upfront incentives do a lot of lifting at this latitude.
This calculator uses Chicago's own sun (~3.7 kWh/kW/day, 5% below the IL average) with Illinois's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 12.2 years.
- Chicago sun
- ~3.7 kWh/kW/day
- IL average sun
- ~3.9 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 17¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Illinois page
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.
Chicago solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Chicago?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Chicago system pays for itself in about 12.2 years, using local sun (~3.7 kWh per kW per day), Illinois's average 17¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Illinois Shines upfront incentives do a lot of lifting at this latitude.
How much do solar panels generate in Chicago?
Roughly 3.7 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,351 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 8100 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Chicago?
Illinois Shines pays upfront SREC-style incentives, a significant boost. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.