Illinois is one of the more active solar markets in the Midwest, with two statewide incentive programs, utility net metering at both major electric utilities, and a growing base of local installers. This page is a starting point for Illinois homeowners researching solar: how the basics work, which utility programs matter, and where to go next. SolarSiteIQ does not sell or install solar; we connect you with one qualified local installer for a free, no-obligation home assessment.
How solar works, briefly
A residential solar system uses rooftop (or sometimes ground-mounted) panels to generate electricity, which an inverter converts into the form your home uses. Any electricity you do not use immediately can be sent back to the grid, where your utility’s net metering program credits you for it. On a cloudy day or at night, you draw power from the grid as usual. The system does not store power on its own unless you add a battery. For a plain-English walkthrough, see how solar panels work for Illinois homes.
Utilities serving Illinois
Most Illinois homeowners researching solar are served by one of two investor-owned utilities:
- ComEd, serving the Chicago area and much of northern Illinois. See our ComEd customer page for net metering and rebate details.
- Ameren Illinois, serving central and southern Illinois. See our Ameren Illinois customer page for net metering details.
The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees how both utilities implement net metering under state law. If you are served by a municipal utility or an electric cooperative instead, net metering and interconnection rules are set independently and may differ from what is described for ComEd and Ameren; confirm directly with your provider.
Incentives available to Illinois homeowners
The federal tax credit that used to apply to most solar purchases ended for expenditures made after December 31, 2025. Illinois still runs two state programs: Illinois Shines, which pays for the renewable energy credits a system generates, and Illinois Solar for All, which is aimed at income-eligible households. Both utilities also offer net metering, and ComEd has a separate distributed generation rebate tied to certain rate plans. See the full Illinois solar incentives page for details, program links and what to ask an installer about each one.
What the process generally looks like
Most Illinois homeowners go through a similar sequence: a free assessment or site evaluation, a proposal from a licensed installer that accounts for your roof, usage and utility, a permitting and interconnection process with your utility, and installation and inspection. Timelines vary by installer and by your utility’s interconnection queue. Ask any installer you talk to for a written timeline specific to your project rather than a general estimate.
Choosing an installer
SolarSiteIQ does not independently verify an installer’s licensing or workmanship; our review of an installer’s submitted information is not a substitute for your own diligence. Ask for proof of state licensing and insurance, ask how long they have operated in Illinois, and ask for references. See choosing a solar installer in Illinois for a fuller list of questions, and roof suitability considerations if you are unsure whether your home is a good candidate.
Common questions
Does solar work well in Illinois’s climate?
Illinois gets meaningfully less sun in winter than in summer, and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, but solar is installed and used successfully throughout the state. Ask your installer for a production estimate specific to your roof and location rather than a general number.
Will going solar guarantee lower bills?
No one can guarantee savings. Your results depend on your system size, usage, financing and the specific incentive programs you qualify for. Ask for a written, project-specific estimate.
Is SolarSiteIQ an installer?
No. We are an independent service that matches homeowners with one qualified local installer for a free assessment. We do not install, sell, or guarantee workmanship.
What if my utility is not ComEd or Ameren?
Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives set their own net metering and interconnection terms. Confirm directly with your provider before assuming ComEd or Ameren terms apply.
Do incentive programs change often?
Yes. Illinois Shines updates its program year and REC pricing periodically, and utility rate options can change. Always ask for the current published terms rather than relying on an older estimate.
How do I get started?
Request a free, no-obligation assessment and SolarSiteIQ will connect you with one qualified local installer. Start at /solar-step-1/.
Curious what solar could look like for your home? Start your free assessment and we will connect you with one qualified local installer, no obligation.
