Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Chicago Heights, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Chicago Heights, IL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Chicago Heights, IL in 2024?

Having solar panels in Chicago Heights, IL is $3.79/W in the month of October, 2024.

It will cost you $3,790, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) your panels is able to produce. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend approximately $13,265 for a 5 kW solar panel system in Chicago Heights. To ensure your energy demands are met, you may require more than a 5kW system.

On the left, choose your area to view the typical roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your county. You can also see an outline of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Chicago Heights: $13,265US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Chicago Heights: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Chicago Heights: $8,463US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Chicago Heights

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Chicago Heights.

Roof size 518sq. ft.
Capacity 7.25kW DC
Electricity 8.3kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Chicago Heights, IL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

For Chicago Heights energy consumers, the average electric bill is $114.22 per month, with a usage of 601 kWh. Compact homes, including micro-apartments, are also encompassed in the data cited in the {previous|prior sentence.

The average electricity rate in Chicago Heights, IL in October 2024 is 18.99¢ per kWh.

To account for their full energy usage requirements of an average user in Chicago Heights, a solar panel system of 5 kW or more is required. At this time, a 5 kW solar setup has an upfront cost of about $18,950, but after a 30% tax credit, it drops to $13,265

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Chicago Heights

To the left, you will find a breakdown of prices for various solar panel system sizes installed in Chicago Heights. When you select a larger solar system, the cost is higher, but it also yields greater electricity savings and a greater income tax credit.

The solar panel calculator, situated below and to the right, gives a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $114.22 electric bill for Chicago Heights. Swap the $114.22 with your usual electricity bill to get customized results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $281 a year
Est. Price
$2,653
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,480 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $23
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.47 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 22 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,172 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $562 a year
Est. Price
$5,306
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,960 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $47
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 43 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,343 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $844 a year
Est. Price
$7,959
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $70
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,515 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$10,612
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 87 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,687 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,406 a year
Est. Price
$13,265
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,700 mi less a year

Chicago Heights Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

For rural small businesses and agricultural enterprises, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Think you fall into this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Nearly all residents can qualify for a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a feasible option in numerous areas of the United States. In addition, there are many state and local initiatives aimed at further promote the uptake of solar energy.

Multiple utilities and government agencies in Illinois have 7 solar rebate and incentive programs.

Solar incentives in IL

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grants

Value:Varies

Commonwealth Edison funds the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF). The foundation supports private investment in renewable energy for Illinois through a variety of grant initiatives targeted at communities and schools. Eligible projects for a grant include solar, wind, and biomass installations interconnected to the grid. One initiative funding wind power for schools also supports related educational programs. Additional information is available through the ICECF website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Renewable energy and distributed generation customers in Illinois may enter net metering or "dual metering" arrangements with their utility. By using their generation system, customers generate renewable energy credits. By law, they hold ownership of the RECs they generate, but they may choose to sell them to the utility upon signing a net metering contract. Dual metering is for property types in a "competitive class". Utilities should install a dual-channel meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The customer will receive a bill credit for monthly NEG at a variable rate. Net metering operates in a similar fashion, but uses a single bidirectional meter and is designed for residential and certain commercial properties (these are "non-competitive classes".) Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Energy.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Illinois has adopted various state standards for distributed generation and interconnection using systems rated for less than 10 MW. Regulations are amended and enforced by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Each connected generation system is sorted into one of four tiers based on capacity. Which tier a system falls into determines engineering standards, permit processes, and the minimum liability insurance coverage that the system's owner must carry. Distributed generation for systems over 10 MW is also standardized under a different set of rules. Additional information is available from the ICC website.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

The Illinois legislature enacted the state's first renewable portfolio standard in 2007 and established the Illinois Power Agency for its enforcement. The current standard requires 25% of the state's renewable energy to come from renewable sources by 2026, with 6% coming from solar installations, 75% from wind turbines, and 1% from distributed generation systems. Compliance is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging electric capacity to an adjusted dollar value. Utilities in the state must obtain these credits through their own generation activities or by purchasing them from distributed generation customers.

Energy Efficiency in State Government

Value:Varies

New government buildings or renovation projects in Illinois should comply with certain green building standards. Any new occupied state building or renovation affecting a maximum of 10,000 square feet should meet the highest feasible LEED standard, though the state does not need to apply for formal LEED certification. New buildings or renovation projects over 10,000 square feet must meet LEED Silver standards and apply for formal certification. A project may be exempt if costs toward meeting green building standards exceed benefits. Historic buildings may carry an exemption by default if improvements would negatively affect their aesthetics or status. Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Commerce website.

Illinois Municipal Electric Agency - Electric Efficiency Program

Value:Varies

Residential, commercial, and wholesale customers of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency may be eligible for a variety of financial incentives on energy efficiency equipment and projects. Eligible items and services will change from time to time. Current programs include rebate offers on HVAC, lighting, motors, and generation equipment. For each of these projects, the rebate amount averages at 7 cents per saved kilowatt hour for the first year of the improvements' deployment. The application process involves project reviews. Customers should submit copies of the city permits they have obtained for their proposed projects. To ensure accountability, IMEA requires the submission of receipts and a final inspection upon completion of the project. Additional information is available from the IMEA website.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Value:Varies

The Illinois Power Agency is a legislative organization that aids several private electrical utilities (Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, specifically) in purchasing renewable energy credits, including credits designated exclusively for solar energy. To meet renewable portfolio standards, the IPA acts as a diplomatic middleman to create purchasing agreements between utilities. As IPA both designs and operates procurement programs using a variety of tracking systems, customers participating in arrangements such as net metering may interface directly with the IPA. Additional information is available from the agency website.

Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?

Homeowners in Chicago Heights who intend to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an obvious choice. With a 5 kW solar system in Chicago Heights, IL, the average savings over a 20 period is $14,147.8, with break even typically occurring at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Chicago Heights, IL

If you don't have solar panels or an alternative backup power source, you forgo the aforementioned savings and your household is entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently demonstrated that relying entirely on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

In a typical year, customers in Chicago Heights encounter around 0.59 outages. On average, each outage lasts for 48.99 minutes. Major events like wildlife damage, aging infrastructure or heavy rain and flooding can considerably extend these durations.

A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could ease the pressure of future outages you encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cook County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Chicago Heights, IL?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is higher. Setting up a solar system that produces sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most homeowners, ensuring savings.

Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector offers a range of solar panel and mounting equipment brands and designs. Since your installer may prefer certain brands, it's essential to pick a recommended company. Selecting superior quality materials usually ensures a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. These panels are more expensive but offer a higher energy efficiency. Many installers in the industry use panels crafted of this material.

Your Property - Sloping terrain, trees, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of the installation. These days, solar installers typically use satellite images to assess your home and include these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these costs are borne by the consumers. Businesses that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. That said, quality local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your first quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Chicago Heights?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar SME Inc.

Duncanville, TX(832) 626-2337

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Plug PV

Albany, NY(518) 948-5316

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

RISE Power

Richardson, TX(855) 747-3769

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Tick Tock Energy

Effingham, IL(217) 994-9020

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

AES Solar

Carterville, IL(618) 988-0888

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Soltage

Jersey City, NJ(201) 432-1786

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-0000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Badass Energy

Claremont, CA(909) 320-9860

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Chicago Heights, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Chicago Heights, IL has reached $3.79/W. In Chicago Heights, IL, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $13,265 after applying the federal tax credit.
  • Right now, Illinois has 7 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Even though paying cash offers the best savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Many installers will include information about financing options in their initial quotes.
  • Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Chicago Heights, IL is 10 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $14,147.8.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01