How much can I save by going solar in Chicago?
The average savings from going solar in Chicago sits at $43,000 over 25 years, according to EnergySage3. The amount of savings depends on system size, energy usage, and financing method.
SunPower is Helping Homeowners Go Solar in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city famous for culture, food, and innovation, and when it comes to renewable energy and solar power, Chicago is a leader once again. In January 2025, the Windy City announced that all public buildings and facilities had transitioned to renewable energy,1 an incredible achievement. And they aren’t done yet. Supportive legislation has been put in place to make it easier for more homeowners to go solar and enjoy clean energy and lower utility costs. With the help of SunPower, homeowners in Chicago are enjoying high-efficiency solar panels and expert installation tailored to the city’s rooftops, weather, and energy needs.
Why Chicago Is a Great Fit for Solar
Chicago is a prime city for solar power thanks to its climate and city programs established to make transitioning to solar as easy as possible for homeowners. Even though the area is known for heavy winter weather, the Windy City still receives an average of 4.17 peak hours of sun per day, according to PVWatts and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories.2 This amount of sun is plenty for solar to be a powerhouse resource, and programs like the Chicago Solar Express are making solar installation faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever for homeowners in Chicago.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Chicago?
Many great solar incentives are available in Chicago to help homeowners benefit from this renewable resource:
Illinois Shines Program: This program was instituted to help homeowners lower the costs of solar installation by paying them for the number of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that their solar system may produce over its lifetime. SRECs can reduce installation costs by up to 60% depending on the utility provider and the capacity of the solar system installed. The price being paid for SRECs is declining every year, meaning the benefits are greater the sooner you transition to solar.
Illinois Solar For All: This program was created specifically to help facilitate solar adoption for low-income households. Single-family homes that are at 80% of the Area Median Income, or less, qualify for 0-down installation and enjoy utility bills capped at 50% of the amount of energy generated by the system.
Property Tax Exemptions: Exactly as it sounds, homes that install solar systems are exempt from any increase in property taxes that would come from the increase in home value.
Net Metering: Available through each electric utility provider, net metering allows a home to earn energy utility credits for excess generated energy sent to the grid. These credits are deducted from the costs of energy drawn from the grid when the sun is not shining.
If you would like to learn more about how to take advantage of these incentives before they decrease in value, contact SunPower today! Our experts will help walk you through your options and provide a free quote for your system.
Benefits of Going Solar in Chicago
There are countless benefits to making the change to solar power in Chicago. These include short-term and long-term benefits, like the following:
Lower Utility Bills: EnergySage states that over the 25-year life of a solar system, homeowners in Chicago can save as much as $43,000, depending on a home’s energy needs and the size, capacity, and storage solutions included in the solar system.
Energy Independence: With a solar system installed, homes are not forced to follow volatile market prices for their energy costs, but can enjoy independence from the grid. Solar solutions like the Enphase 10C also increase independence by allowing homes to store electricity for times when the sun isn’t shining, or when outages occur.
Environmental Impact: Homes that go solar can reduce their carbon footprint significantly. Google’s Project Sunroof estimates that Chicago could eliminate 11.3 million tons of carbon emissions a year if the city achieved its solar potential.
Home Value Boost: It is becoming widely appreciated that solar-equipped homes are selling faster and at higher prices. According to EnergySage, Home values can increase as much as 10% with a solar installation.
Why Is SunPower the Right Choice for Going Solar in Chicago?
SunPower is the best choice for homeowners going solar in Chicago because of our commitment to standing out from the crowd with excellent service and high-quality products. Here’s why Chicago homeowners trust us:
Industry-Leading Panels: We set high standards for the brands and solar equipment we choose to sell. Our solar panels are top-of-the-line, offering max efficiency and max performance.
25-year Warranties: Our warranty policies are designed to give homeowners peace of mind and confidence in the quality and performance of their equipment.
Certified Installers: We partner with technicians who have the certifications and expertise to get the job done right, every time.
Flexible Financing: Our financing options are designed to help homeowners with any budget bring home the best solar system possible. Choose from $0-down purchase options, third-party ownership leases, or cash purchase options.
SunPower is proud to serve Chicago and the surrounding communities, including Oak Park, Evanston, Cicero, and Skokie.
How Does Solar Installation Work with SunPower?
It is our goal to make the transition to solar a stress-free experience for our Chicago customers. You can understand the process in four simple steps:
- 1Custom Design & Quote:
- 2Permitting & On-site Surveying:
- 3Professional Installation:
- 4Activation & Monitoring:
Custom Design & Quote:
We’ll provide you with a free consultation and custom system design. We consider your home, energy usage, budget, and goals to create a plan and price you can feel good about.