Residential Incentives for Solar
There are financial incentives to lower the cost of generating your own electricity on-site by capturing solar energy using photovoltaic panels! Federal, state, and local incentives can be combined.
Federal Tax Credit
30% of the cost may be credited against your federal tax liability
State of Illinois Incentives
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)
- One of two options:
- Illinois Shines: direct rebate based upon expected energy generated (~15-35% of system installation cost)
- Illinois Solar for All: program that covers upfront installation costs for low-income households
Local Group Buys
A group buy is a partnership that allows for bulk purchasing and education. A discount is provided for each participate, depending on the total number of participants.
Net Metering
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers net metering, which provides a credit to your bill when you produce more energy than you use.
How Much Energy Can Your Roof Produce?
Check out:
How do solar panels work?
Data Sources
- www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
- www.illinoissolar.org
- https://illinoisshines.com
- www.illinoissfa.com
- www.illinoissfa.com/app/uploads/2019/02/0219-ILSFA-income-chart-v4.pdf
- www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-resources-consumers
- www.midwestrenew.org/solargroupbuy/#active-programs
- www.comed.com/solar
- www.comed.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/MyAccount/MyService/NetMeteringFAQ_Res.pdf
- www.comed.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Interconnection/NetMeteringApplication.pdf
Roofing Note: Roofs must be structurally sufficient to support the load of solar panels. Roofs should be less than 5 years old when installing solar panels. Clay tiles, cedar shingles, vents, and steep pitched roofs create complications for installers.