Cicero homeowners can leverage Illinois Shines SREC incentives and ComEd DG rebates to cut solar+battery system costs by 40–55%. Under Smart Solar Billing, pairing solar with battery storage maximizes self-consumption and long-term savings.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
ComEd serves Cicero under Smart Solar Billing, with export credits at ~6.8¢/kWh on supply charges only. Cook County offers solar permitting through established processes. Illinois Shines SREC program and ComEd DG rebates are the primary cost-reduction tools for new installations.
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
Average Rate: $0.16/kWh
Smart Solar Billing (effective Jan 1, 2025). New solar customers receive export credits applied to supply and transmission charges only — not delivery. Credits roll over monthly and settle at avoided cost at end of annual cycle. Legacy customers who completed installation by Dec 31, 2024 retain full retail net metering for the life of their system. Supply rates are elevated (9.5–10.5¢/kWh) through May 2026 due to the 2024 PJM capacity auction spike; total all-in residential rate is approximately 15–16¢/kWh including delivery. A CEJA Carbon-Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFRA) credit of ~4¢/kWh partially offsets supply costs for non-solar customers. ComEd launched a new Delivery Time-of-Day (DTOD) rate in February 2026 offering set delivery pricing across four daily time periods.
A solar+battery system in Cicero averages $38,000 for a 10.5kW solar system with a 10kWh battery. Illinois Shines SREC incentives can reduce net costs by 40–55%.
Cicero homeowners with a solar+battery system typically save $1,600 annually on electricity bills under Smart Solar Billing.
Illinois Shines SREC upfront payments, ComEd DG rebate ($300/kW solar + $300/kWh battery), Illinois property tax exemption, and sales tax exemption on solar equipment.
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.
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