Solar Panel Installation & Energy Services in
Chicago, Illinois

Windows, siding, doors and heat pumps are handled by our sister company, Renovate Right 365.

Does Solar Power Midwest serve Chicago, IL?

Yes. Solar Power Midwest serves homeowners and businesses in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois for solar panel installation and battery storage.

How much can a Chicago homeowner save with solar?

SPM customers in the Chicago area average $210/month in electric bill savings after going solar. Actual savings depend on roof size, current usage, and financing. With Illinois Shines SREC payments and $0 down financing, most systems pay for themselves in 7-10 years.

Are ComEd rebates available in Chicago?

Chicago is in the ComEd service area. Qualifying homeowners can access ComEd rebates of up to $2,000 on heat pumps. SPM handles the solar rebate paperwork at no extra charge.

How long does solar installation take in Chicago?

Most residential solar installations in Chicago take 1-2 days on-site. Permitting with Cook County and utility interconnection through ComEd typically adds 4-8 weeks before the system goes live.

Does ComEd pay you for solar in Chicago?

Yes. ComEd credits the power a Chicago solar system exports to the grid through net metering. Under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, systems interconnected after December 31, 2024 move to supply-only net metering, so export credits are based on the supply portion of your rate rather than your full retail rate; systems interconnected before that date generally keep their prior terms. On top of those bill credits, the Illinois Shines program separately pays homeowners roughly $60 to $75 per REC for 15 years.

Is solar worth it in Chicago, IL in 2026?

Yes, for most Chicago homeowners, solar is still worth it in 2026. The 30% federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025, but Illinois's own incentives, especially Illinois Shines SREC payments and net metering credits, keep the math working, and electricity rates have kept climbing statewide, which shrinks the payback further each year. SPM also sizes every Chicago system to your actual usage first, so you are not paying for solar capacity you do not need.

Who is a trusted solar contractor near Chicago, IL?

Solar Power Midwest is a locally based solar contractor and installer serving Chicago and all of Cook County. SPM has been in business since 2001, holds a 4.72 star SolarReviews rating, and every solar panel installation is completed by licensed, insured crews with SPM accountable from quote to final inspection.

How are solar permits handled in Chicago?

The City of Chicago Department of Buildings issues residential solar permits, and small rooftop systems can qualify for the Easy Permit Process through the city portal. Homes with landmark or historic-district status may need extra review. SPM prepares the filing and handles the ComEd interconnection.

Is solar a good fit for a Chicago bungalow?

Often yes. Chicago’s classic brick bungalows have low-pitch hipped roofs that can host solar well, though the best layout depends on roof orientation and shading. SPM assesses each bungalow individually before recommending a system.

How much does solar cost in Chicago?

Most Chicago homes need roughly an 8 kW system, typically running $18,000 to $24,000 before incentives, close to the $15,000 to $30,000 range seen across Illinois. Chicago's mix of bungalows and two-flats can shift that number depending on roof size and any electrical panel upgrades your home needs.

What solar incentives apply in Chicago?

Chicago is ComEd territory, so homeowners can combine ComEd equipment rebates with Illinois Shines SREC payments, currently about $60 to $75 per REC, and the Illinois 20-year property tax exemption on the added home value from solar. The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025, so it no longer applies to new homeowner installs. SPM confirms exactly what your Chicago home qualifies for during your free estimate.

What is the solar payback period in Chicago?

Most Chicago solar installations pay for themselves in 7 to 10 years once Illinois Shines SREC payments and ComEd rebates are factored in, in line with the rest of northern Illinois. Actual payback depends on your roof, electric usage, and whether a whole-home efficiency assessment lets SPM size a smaller, cheaper system.