Solar Panels Cost $8.0k-$18k in Johnson County, IL | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Johnson County, IL in 2024?
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It costs about $3.82/W in November, 2024 in Johnson County, IL to go solar.
It will cost $3,820, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacounty that your solar panels have. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel install in Johnson County typically comes to around $13,370. A higher capacity system may be essential to fulfill your energy needs.
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.
Johnson County: $13,370US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Johnson County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Johnson County: $18,842US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Johnson County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Johnson County.
Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 11kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Johnson County, IL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The typical energy consumer in Johnson County has a monthly electric bill of 158.09 and uses 778 kWh on average. These statistics also take into account apartments and other smaller homes with generally lower energy consumption.
In November 2024, the average electricity rate in Johnson County, IL is 20.31¢ per kWh.
Currently, a 7 kW solar system is priced at around $18,718 after incentives.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Johnson County
To the left and below, you can find a detailed pricing breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Johnson County. The more extensive the solar array, the greater the initial expense, but also the greater electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.
Check the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right to see the cost and benefit details based on an average $158.09 electric bill in Johnson County. For custom results, adjust the $158.09 to whatever your average electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $888 a year
Est. Price
$8,022
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.09 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 50 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,693 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,184 a year
Est. Price
$10,696
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
Est. monthly savings $99
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.45 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 67 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,590 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,480 a year
Est. Price
$13,370
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $123
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.81 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,488 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,776 a year
Est. Price
$16,044
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,880 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.18 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 100 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,385 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,072 a year
Est. Price
$18,718
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,360 kWh
Est. monthly savings $158
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.32 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 107 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,749 mi less a year
Johnson County 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 10 solar rebate and incentive programs.
Solar incentives in ILIncentive Description Value
City of Chicago - Small Business Improvement Fund
Value:Up to $150,000
The Chicago government has established a Small Business Improvement Fund to support businesses making energy efficiency upgrades through grants. A private organization, SomerCor 504, handles the practical business of the fund. Projects eligible for grants include energy-efficient HVAC, roofing, windows, and insulation. Funding can cover three quarters of project costs. Applicants are subject to caps on net worth and number of employees. Businesses that rent their property may be subject to additional conditions. Additional information is available from the SomerCor website.
City of Chicago - Green Building Permit Programs
Value:Up to $25,000
Chicago offers specialized permitting processes for various environmentally-friendly projects or energy efficiency upgrades. Any home, business, or industrial facility may qualify to have their review period expedited and fees waived. Eligible installations and upgrades include solar PV/thermal systems, wind turbines, efficient roofing, rain reclamation, and geothermal systems; all must be LEED or Green Globes certified to qualify. Once a project is approved, the maximum turnaround time shortens to 30 days. Further, any fees up to $25,000 become waived. Additional information and early application forms are available from the Chicago website.
City of Chicago - Solar Express Permit Program
Value:Varies
Through a 2013 ordinance, Chicago homes and businesses may be eligible for a streamlined permitting process for rooftop solar PV installations. Depending on the system's size, applicants may receive a $100 discount on permit fees and a same-day approval with waived zoning evaluation. Interested property owners must hire a solar contractor certified by both ComEd and the City of Chicago. Participating contractors will follow new guidelines established by the ordinance when applying for the expedited process. Additional information is available through the Chicago municipal website.
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 Johnson County, IL?
If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Johnson County. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Johnson County, IL could save you around $24,571.6, with the average break even time being 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Johnson County, 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.
Throughout Johnson County, there are about 0.88 outages per customer annually. Each outage, on average, lasts for 101.76 minutes. In the case of major events like construction accidents, equipment failure or winter storms, this period can rise substantially.
View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Johnson County.
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 Johnson County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Johnson County, 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 Johnson County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Johnson County?
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Johnson County, IL as of November, 2024 is $3.82/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Johnson County, IL, after deducting federal tax credits, is $13,370.
Right now, Illinois has 10 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, in Johnson County, IL, the average time for 5 kWsolar panel systems to pay for themselves is 7 years, leading to electricity savings of $24,571.6 over a 20-year period.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
