Let’s make solar bigger in Illinois

The state of solar in Illinois

Illinois residents experience an average of 198 sunny days a year, just under the national average of 205 days.^*Best Places, Illinois. (Aug. 12, 2021). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/illinois With so much sunshine as a resource, solar energy is vital to Illinois' future, as evidenced by the state's renewable portfolio standard that requires Illinois to generate at least 25% of its energy from clean sources by 2025.^*SEIA, Illinois Solar, (Q1 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/illinois-solar With over 48,225 solar installations and a total solar investment of $1.4 billion, Illinois' commitment to solar energy is clear.

How much solar energy does Illinois produce?

As of March 2021, Illinois had installed 617.8 MW of solar energy, placing the state in the 23rd ranking for solar energy nationwide.^*SEIA, Illinois Solar, (Q1 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/illinois-solar Additionally, Illinois currently produces enough solar energy to power over 89,781 homes.

What are the advantages of going solar in Illinois?

Getting solar panels for a home in Illinois is an effective way to save money and support state initiatives. Illinois homeowners save an average of between $24,295 and $32,870 over 20 years after switching to solar energy.^*Energy Sage, Illinois solar panels: local pricing and data, (Jul 2021). https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/il/ Even better, the average payback period, or the time it takes solar costs to break even with savings, is just 6.7 to 9.1 years in Illinois.

Switching to solar energy also helps create jobs for Illinois residents. As of 2020, the solar industry had created 5,259 jobs in Illinois, ranking the state 13th nationwide for solar employment.^*ISEA, Illinois Solar Industry Data, (2020). https://www.illinoissolar.org/illinoissolardata Additionally, Illinois has added more than 3,550 solar jobs since 2021 alone.

How much does solar cost in Illinois?

The cost of a home solar system can vary due to a range of factors, even in the same state. These include:

• Weather

• The angle of the roof

• Roof space

• Quality of the solar panels

To help you understand the price of going solar in Illinois, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Illinois, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,950 to $23,150, or, in other words, from $2.59 to $4.63 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Statewide financial incentives allow Illinois residents to save money on the price of their solar installations and other associated costs.

• First, Illinois Solar For All programs reduce the costs of solar installations for income-eligible households.^*Illinois Solar For All, For Illinois Residents, (Aug 2021). https://www.illinoissfa.com/for-il-residents/ These programs match eligible homeowners with approved solar vendors who offer services for no or minimal upfront costs.

• Illinois also participates in net metering, which is a program that allows homeowners who generate solar energy to sell back unused power to their local utility companies.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information Through Illinois's net metering program, homeowners can receive a one-to-one retail rate credit for any excess solar generation.

• Tax breaks also make the price of going solar in Illinois more affordable. For example, the Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. prevents homeowners from paying higher local property taxes if their solar installations increase their home's value.

• Finally, Illinois residents can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit, which provides an income tax savings of 30% of the total installation costs.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in Illinois?

Switching to solar energy can produce significant benefits for your wallet, the environment, and the community around you. However, the best way to maximize these advantages is to work with a solar provider you can trust to produce the best solar solution for your needs.

Not all solar systems are created equal. Choosing a system that optimizes energy production for your roof, suits your family's energy usage needs, and stays within your budget is essential to your solar installation process.

Calling upon an experienced, knowledgeable solar provider is an excellent way to make the most of your solar installation.

Get started now by requesting your free SunPower solar consultation below. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.