Are Solar Panels Worth It in Illinois? Data-Backed Analysis
✓
Yes
Solar panels are a strong investment in Illinois based on available data.
The Numbers
Average System Cost
$149,730
21.7 kW system
After Federal ITC
$104,811
30% tax credit applied
Total Installations
61,031
90% residential
Factors in Favor
- ✓61,031 installations demonstrate strong market adoption
- ✓Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit available to all homeowners
- ✓90% residential - strong homeowner adoption
Things to Consider
- !Above-average installation cost ($6.90/W vs national $4.18/W)
Illinois vs National Average
| Metric | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Watt | $6.90 | $4.18 |
| Total Installations | 61,031 | 3,426,466 |
| Total Capacity | 1,326 MW | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
The average solar system in Illinois costs approximately $149,730 (avg 21.7 kW system at $6.90/W). After the 30% federal ITC, your net cost would be around $104,811.
All Illinois homeowners are eligible for the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces the cost by approximately $44,919. Additional state and local incentives may further reduce your costs. Visit our Illinois incentives page for a complete breakdown.
Illinois has 61,031 solar installations, showing strong market adoption. Combined with competitive costs and available incentives, solar is a strong investment in Illinois.
Source: LBNL Tracking the Sun, U.S. Department of Energy, EIA. Costs and savings are estimates based on average residential installations and may vary.