Solar Energy for the Evergreen City

The state of solar in Bloomington

Illinois has set rigorous carbon emission reduction goals, aiming to obtain 25% of its energy from clean sources by 2025. The state has established a wealth of incentive programs to help reduce barriers to clean energy adoption. These incentives make it an ideal time to switch to solar power in Bloomington. The area sees about 194 days of sunshine per year,^*Best Places, Climate in Bloomington, IL, May 2021. and roughly 80% of its rooftops are solar viable.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

How much solar energy does Bloomington produce?

A recent solar energy boom in McLean County and a community-wide group buy program—Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal—coupled with the 2016 Federal Energy Jobs Act, has increased the occurrence of both private, commercial, and industrial solar installations in Bloomington.

Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal alone has nearly 150 kW of installed solar capacity in the city, much of which was installed in recent years. In 2018, the program added 30 solar installations with a total capacity of 430.12 kW.

What are the advantages of going solar in Bloomington?

While electricity rates here in Bloomington are relatively low, switching to solar can still offer significant long-term cost savings. As Illinois pushes for clean energy adoption, generous solar incentives have lowered the cost of installation. A 5 kW solar system could pay for itself with seven to eight years as a result, and lead to over $22,000 in savings over 20 years of use.^*EnergySage, Solar Panels in Bloomington, IL, May 2021.

Installing a solar system can also be a tax-free way to increase your home’s value. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that every $1 saved through a solar system adds $20 to value to your home—and you don’t have to pay property taxes on that added value.

How much does solar cost in Bloomington?

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

• HOA specifications

• Roof angle

• Household energy needs

• Size and quality of the solar system

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered from third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Bloomington, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $15,300 to $23,150, or in other words, from $3.06 to $4.63 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

You may be able to take advantage of the 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Additionally, Illinois offers an adjustable block program incentive known as Illinois Shines. It allows you to earn and sell Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for your electricity production. However, the program is temporarily out of funding, and new applications are being waitlisted.

Illinois’ net metering policy is still active. It allows you to transfer any excess electricity you produce to your utility provider for a credit on your bill.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Net metering is an excellent way to offset grid-electricity usage in times of low production.

What’s the best way to go solar in Bloomington?

When installing a solar system, you’ll need to consider a range of factors, such as your roof size, current energy usage, and budget.

Remember that not all solar systems are created equally. There can be significant variance in quality, appearance, and durability between systems. The best way to ensure you see the highest return on investment possible is to work with a reputable solar provider.

You should be offered a consultation where you can ask any questions you may have, view a custom system design, cost and savings estimate, and explore any incentives which may be available to you.

If you’re ready to get started, request a free consultation. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time, or you can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.