Top Rated
Windy City Solar
4.9
Price range: $$$
- NABCEP certified
- ComEd net metering
- Illinois Shines registered
- SREC incentive specialist
- 25-year panel warranty
How We Evaluate Chicago Solar Companies
We evaluate Chicago solar installers based on NABCEP certification, Illinois electrical contractor licensing, ComEd interconnection experience, Illinois Shines SREC registration, and verified customer reviews.
Illinois's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) created a robust solar incentive environment. Illinois Shines is the state's Adjustable Block Program — it offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that pay homeowners a set amount per kWh generated for 15 years, significantly improving solar economics. Every installer on this list is a registered Illinois Shines Approved Vendor.
While Chicago has lower solar irradiance than Sun Belt markets, Illinois's generous state incentives (Illinois Shines SRECs) and ComEd's rising rates have made solar genuinely attractive for Chicago homeowners.
Top Chicago Solar Installation Companies Compared
Chicago Solar Pros
4.7
Price range: $$–$$$
- NABCEP certified
- IL licensed
- free energy audit
- federal ITC 30%
- financing available
Great Lakes Solar
4.6
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- ComEd interconnection
- Illinois Shines Approved Vendor
- locally owned
- 10-year labor warranty
Illinois Solar Group
4.5
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- IL licensed
- SREC & ITC documentation
- commercial and residential
- flexible payment plans
Chicago, IL
Serving Chicagoland
- Coverage across Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Joliet, and Aurora
- All installers are Illinois Shines Approved Vendors qualified to register SREC contracts
- ComEd net metering available for all residential customers
- Federal ITC allows homeowners to deduct 30% of system cost from federal taxes through 2032
Why Local Matters
Contractors who know your area, your climate, and your local codes
Every contractor in our network is established locally — no out-of-state storm chasers. They know the permitting requirements, the climate challenges, and they'll be there for warranty work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Chicago IL
What is Illinois Shines and how does it benefit Chicago solar customers?
Illinois Shines is Illinois's Adjustable Block Program for solar incentives. Homeowners who install solar receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for every kWh their system produces for 15 years. The SREC value is set by the Illinois Power Agency's block pricing — current residential rates are typically $70 to $90 per SREC (1 SREC = 1,000 kWh). For a typical 8 kW Chicago system producing 8,000 kWh/year, SRECs generate $560 to $720 per year in additional income, significantly improving payback.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Chicago IL?
A typical 8–10 kW residential solar system in Chicago costs between $22,000 and $34,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to roughly $15,400 to $23,800. Illinois Shines SREC payments further reduce the effective payback period. Chicago homeowners typically see payback periods of 8 to 12 years depending on system orientation, shading, and ComEd rate plan.
Does ComEd offer net metering for solar customers in Chicago?
Yes, ComEd offers net metering for residential solar customers. Excess solar energy exported to the ComEd grid earns a credit at ComEd's retail rate. Net metering credits carry forward each month and are settled at year-end. ComEd's rates have increased significantly in recent years, improving solar economics. All installers on this list are experienced with ComEd interconnection applications.
Is solar worth it in Chicago given the lower sun hours?
Yes, primarily due to Illinois Shines SRECs and ComEd's rising rates. Chicago averages about 4.0 peak sun hours daily, compared to 5.5+ in Arizona — but Illinois's SREC payments compensate for the lower production. When you factor in the federal ITC plus 15 years of SREC income, Chicago solar payback periods are comparable to many Sun Belt markets. Proper system sizing (not oversizing) is key to optimizing Chicago solar economics.