Solar Panel ROI in Illinois
· Source: NREL PVWatts
Is solar worth it in IL? Here's what the data says.
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25-Year ROI Timeline
With a 11.6-year payback, your system spends 13.4 years in profit after breaking even.
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Illinois vs National Average
How We Calculated This
Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.
Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.
These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.
Solar ROI by Zip Code in Illinois
Explore solar data for specific zip codes in Illinois. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.
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Solar Outlook for Illinois
Illinois's solar irradiance of 4.86 kWh/m²/day is 2% below the national average. With electricity at $0.148/kWh, the 11.6-year payback is moderate — though incentives and tax credits can significantly shorten it.
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