Solar Panels Cost $5.4k-$16k in Kendall County, IL | November, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Kendall County, IL in 2024?
No data available
The typical price per watt for solar panels in Kendall County, IL in November, 2024 is $3.86/W.
Applying this rate, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your system can produce you will have to invest $3,860 to have your solar system installed. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar setup in Kendall County will cost around $13,510. However, bear in mind that you may need a more extensive system to ensure your energy needs are met.
Select your county from the menu on the left to find out the average roof size and maximum residential solar capacity for homes in your area. Outlined below are the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Kendall County: $13,510US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kendall County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kendall County: $14,840US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Kendall County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Kendall County.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 12.5kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Kendall County, IL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
On average, Kendall County residents pay 142.25 for their electric bill each month and use 680 kWh. This number also encompasses the energy needs of apartments and smaller homes.
In November 2024, Kendall County, IL's mean electricity rate amounts to 20.92¢ per kWh.
The installation of a a 6 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $23,160 before applying incentives, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get 30% back, reducing the cost to $16,212.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kendall County
Below and to the left, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in Kendall County. The bigger the solar array, the higher the initial expense, but also the more substantial electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.
The solar panel cost calculator to the right and below breaks down costs and benefits, based on an average $142.25 electric bill in Kendall County Easily change the $142.25 to your typical electricity bill for customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $622 a year
Est. Price
$5,404
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,960 kWh
Est. monthly savings $52
Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.54 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 71 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,822 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $932 a year
Est. Price
$8,106
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
Est. monthly savings $78
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.32 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,733 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,243 a year
Est. Price
$10,808
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.09 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 142 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,643 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,554 a year
Est. Price
$13,510
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,554 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,865 a year
Est. Price
$16,212
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,880 kWh
Est. monthly savings $142
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.23 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,477 mi less a year
Kendall County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their solar or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Wondering if you fit this category? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar is accessible to nearly all homeowners, which makes solar energy a smart choice in numerous regions nationwide. On top of that, there are numerous state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Illinois has 10 solar incentive and rebate initiatives available through a variety of utilities and government agencies.
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 Kendall County, IL?
If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Kendall County. A 5 kW solar system in Kendall County, IL might save you an average of $20,630 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Kendall County, IL
Not installing solar panels or any other backup energy system results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and full dependence on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently proven that relying entirely on your utility provider isn't always ideal.
In recent years, customers in Kendall County have typically faced 1.3 utility outages per year. The typical duration of each outage is 92.99 minutes. When significant events such as aging infrastructure, tornadoes or wildlife damage occur, these time frames can become much longer.
See the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Kendall County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the effects of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kendall County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kendall County, IL?
Your Energy Needs - Despite the higher initial expense, the cost per watt drops when using larger solar panel systems. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. As the contractor might have particular system preferences, it's important to select a highly rated company. Choosing superior quality materials generally ensures a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are widely recognized as the standard in the industry, and for good cause. These panels are more expensive but offer a higher energy efficiency. Many installers in the industry utilize panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges can increase the difficulty of the installation. The majority of solar installers today are able to utilize satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these aspects in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages often correlate with better reviews for companies' work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will impact your installation cost. That said, reputable local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Kendall County cities
In Kendall County, IL, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in November, 2024 is $3.86/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Kendall County, IL will cost about $13,510 after federal tax credits.
Utilities and government agencies in Illinois are currently offering 10 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
While paying cash provides the highest savings, there are now various financing options for solar panels that are also financially advantageous. Many installers will include information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.
Yes, in Kendall County, IL, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 8 years, and users save around $20,630 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
