Everything you need to know about going solar in Illinois. Compare costs, find incentives, and get free quotes from top-rated solar installers.
Del Mar, CA
500 reviews
Powur PBC is a B-Corp certified solar marketplace and MLM company that connects customers with solar installation partners across 22 states. Operating since 2014, Powur uses independent consultants for sales and subcontracts installation work to regional partners.
St. Charles, MO (serves Central & Southern IL)
210 reviews
SunSent Solar is a family-owned installer based in the St. Louis area, serving Central Illinois (Ameren territory) and Southern Illinois with some of the highest customer ratings of any installer in the state. Founded by family with deep contracting roots, SunSent performs all work in-house, backs every install with a lifetime labor warranty, and guarantees production — adding panels at no charge if the system underperforms. Particularly strong for ground-mount and agricultural installations, and well-versed in Ameren DG rebate and Illinois Shines SREC processing.
Chicago, IL
185 reviews
RxSun is a Chicago-founded, locally owned residential solar company consistently ranked among the top five Illinois installers on EnergySage. Known for competitive pricing, premium REC+Enphase systems, and an industry-leading 30-year SolarInsure™ warranty covering parts, labor, and roof penetrations with zero deductible. All installations are performed in-house by NABCEP-certified installers. RxSun handles full SREC and ComEd rebate processing on behalf of customers.
Buffalo Grove, IL
320 reviews
Certasun is the highest-volume residential solar installer in Illinois, verified through Illinois Shines project application data. Headquartered in Buffalo Grove, they serve the entire Chicago metro and northern Illinois. Every aspect of the project — sales, design, permitting, installation, and incentive processing — is handled in-house with no subcontractors. They guarantee system production over its lifetime and process all Illinois Shines SREC payments and ComEd DG rebates on behalf of customers. Certasun also offers Prio, a prepaid solar service product designed for ComEd customers navigating post-ITC economics.
Chicago, IL
68 reviews
Ailey Solar is Chicago's only unionized residential solar contractor, founded by Jack Ailey and Dorian Breuer with the goal of bringing safe, affordable solar to all of Chicago. They are NABCEP-certified, ISEA members, and are one of only two IPA-approved installers selected for the Solar Chicago program, which provides low-cost solar to hundreds of Chicago residents. Ailey has notable commercial work including the Bronzeville Solar Pyramid and Fleet Fields in Lincoln Yards. A strong choice for customers who prioritize labor standards, equity program access, or Chicago-rooted community commitment.
Chicago, IL
95 reviews
Windfree Solar is one of Chicago's oldest and most experienced solar installers, founded in 2009 with over 25MW of solar installed across residential, commercial, school, and municipal projects. They are NABCEP-credentialed, ICC-approved for both DG solar and EV charging, and are one of only two IPA-selected installers for the Solar Chicago low-income equity program. Best known for handling technically complex or custom projects that other installers pass on, and for deep SREC and incentive program expertise. Some project management inconsistencies noted in reviews for standard residential work.
Disclaimer: Company rankings are based on publicly available data including customer reviews, BBB ratings, years in business, and service offerings as of February 2, 2026. Featured companies may include paid placements.
Avg. Cost: $38,640
Annual Savings: $1,600
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,905
Annual Savings: $1,620
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,485
Annual Savings: $1,610
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $38,220
Annual Savings: $1,650
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $38,500
Annual Savings: $1,580
Sun Hours: 4.3/day
Avg. Cost: $36,540
Annual Savings: $1,700
Sun Hours: 4.7/day
Avg. Cost: $36,330
Annual Savings: $1,680
Sun Hours: 4.6/day
Avg. Cost: $37,695
Annual Savings: $1,610
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,485
Annual Savings: $1,590
Sun Hours: 4.4/day
Avg. Cost: $38,010
Annual Savings: $1,600
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $38,325
Annual Savings: $1,630
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,905
Annual Savings: $1,615
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $38,115
Annual Savings: $1,625
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,800
Annual Savings: $1,615
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,800
Annual Savings: $1,615
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Avg. Cost: $37,800
Annual Savings: $1,615
Sun Hours: 4.5/day
Illinois is one of the most incentive-rich solar markets in the country despite its northern climate. The Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) provides upfront SREC payments worth thousands, and the state's property and sales tax exemptions reduce costs further. With electricity rates climbing 20%+ since 2021, pairing solar with battery storage lets homeowners lock in predictable energy costs and maximize self-consumption under the post-2025 Smart Solar Billing rules.
Illinois homeowners with a solar+battery system typically see payback in 10–13 years after stacking Illinois Shines SREC incentives and utility DG rebates. The SREC program alone can reduce net system cost by 40–55%, partially offsetting the loss of the federal ITC and reduced export credit rates. Costs reflect solar + battery storage system. Federal ITC expired 12/31/2025. Illinois switched to supply-only Smart Solar Billing for new installs as of 1/1/2025 — export credits are ~6–8¢/kWh (roughly half the legacy rate), making battery storage and self-consumption sizing critical. Illinois Shines SREC program and ComEd/Ameren DG rebates ($300/kW solar + $300/kWh battery) remain strong offsetting incentives. Property tax exemption and sales tax exemption on solar equipment also apply.
Learn more about solar energy in your area
AI data centers are driving Illinois electricity rates to record highs. Learn how residential solar panels, Illinois Shines SRECs, and battery storage can protect your household from rising ComEd and Ameren bills in 2026.
See how much you can save on your electricity bill with solar power.
