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#16 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Illinois (IL)

Illinois averages 1,200 kWh per installed kW per year. At $16.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $7,460.

$14,210
System Cost (After Credits)
$7,460
25-Year NPV
10 years
Payback Period
$0.174/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Illinois

7 kW system (2.90/W)$20,300
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,090
Net Cost$14,210

Solar Production in Illinois

Illinois receives an average of 1,200 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,400 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Illinois's average residential rate of $16.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,361. The solar LCOE of $0.174/kWh is -7% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Illinois

1:1 net metering. Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) provides upfront SREC payments.

Solar by Utility in Illinois

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)

Avg Rate: $15.8¢/kWh
Structure: TOU
Peak: $21.8¢/kWh / Off-Peak: $9.8¢/kWh
View analysis ›

Ameren Illinois

Avg Rate: $14.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Illinois

How much does solar cost in Illinois?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Illinois costs $20,300 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $14,210.
What is the solar payback period in Illinois?
Based on the average IL utility rate of $16.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,200 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 10 years. The 25-year NPV is $7,460.
Does Illinois have net metering?
1:1 net metering. Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) provides upfront SREC payments.
What is the LCOE of solar in Illinois?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Illinois is approximately $0.174/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $16.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -7% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Illinois?
Illinois receives approximately 1,200 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,400 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 80% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

Compare Options in Illinois

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Solar ROI in Similar States

New Jersey

NPV: $12,340 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $18.2¢/kWh · #8 ranked

New Mexico

NPV: $15,834 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #9 ranked

Florida

NPV: $10,982 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #10 ranked

Maine

NPV: $20,868 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $24.8¢/kWh · #11 ranked

Colorado

NPV: $11,378 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #12 ranked

New Hampshire

NPV: $21,202 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $25.2¢/kWh · #13 ranked

Get Your Illinois Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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