Is solar worth it in 60617 (Chicago, IL)?

With an average payback period of 11.9 years and 25-year savings of $29,875, solar panels in Chicago, Illinois are a solid investment.

How much do solar panels cost in 60617?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Chicago, Illinois is $14,200 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,940.

How much solar electricity does 60617 get?

Chicago receives 4.61 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 60617 produces approximately 8,077 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 60617

Chicago, Illinois — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

2.1x ROI Score

11.9 yrs Payback Period

$1,195/yr Annual Savings

$29,875 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,195

Payback 11.9 yrs

25-yr savings $29,875

Solar Calculator for 60617 (Chicago)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Chicago, Illinois.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.61 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Chicago, IL

ROI Score 2.1x

Annual Production 8,077 kWh

Annual Savings $1,195

Payback Period 11.9 years

25-Year Savings $29,875

After 30% ITC $9,940

Solar Data for 60617 – Chicago, IL

Solar Irradiance 4.61 kWh/m²/day -7.1% vs national avg

vs Illinois Avg -2.3% State avg: 4.86 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.148/kWh Illinois average rate

Annual Production 8,077 kWh 6kW system estimate

Chicago's 4.61 kWh/m²/day is 7.1% below the national average. At $0.148/kWh, the 11.9-year payback is moderate. Tax credits and incentives can shorten it meaningfully.

Solar Incentives for Chicago, Illinois

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Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $14,200 system, that's $4,260 back.

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Net Metering

Most Illinois utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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Illinois State Programs

Check with the Illinois energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Chicago.

60617 vs Illinois Average

Solar Irradiance

60617: 4.61 IL avg: 4.86

Payback Period

60617: 11.9 yrs IL avg: 11.6 yrs

Annual Savings

60617: $1,195 IL avg: $1,227

25-Year Savings

60617: $29,875 IL avg: $30,675

See the full Illinois solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

60637 Chicago, IL 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 60620 Chicago, IL 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 60629 Chicago, IL 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 60608 Chicago, IL 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 60601 Chicago, IL 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback