ChicagoSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Chicago homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and ComEd net metering. With 4.4 peak sun hours a day and bills averaging $110/month, the typical Chicago system pays back in about 7 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Chicago
Solar incentives in Chicago come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Illinois does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, ComEd sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Chicago homes on ComEd can combine net metering with Illinois Shines (SREC) payments, which can cover a large share of system cost.
ComEd Net Metering in Chicago
ComEd credits excess solar generation from Chicago homes under Illinois's net metering rules, at roughly ~100% of retail of the retail rate. A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Illinois net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Chicago?
At Illinois's 2026 average of $2.95/watt, a typical 8 kW system in Chicago runs about $23,600 before incentives. After the 30% federal credit, the net cost drops to roughly $16,520 — the real out-of-pocket number for most Chicago homeowners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your exact Chicago solar savings
Enter your ComEd bill and we'll apply every Illinois and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.