Bloomington, IL Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Bloomington
If you live in Bloomington, IL, you’ve likely noticed your energy bills climbing. In fact, Illinois electricity prices have increased 22% from 2020 to 2024. That’s leading many local homeowners to explore a cleaner, more predictable way to power their homes.
The good news? Illinois ranks 12th in the nation for residential solar installations. This guide will help you understand how solar installation works for Bloomington homeowners, and you can also explore our detailed overview of home solar panels to learn more.
Illinois by the Numbers
- 12th Most residential solar in the United States
- 73 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.7 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$62k Bloomington average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Bloomington, IL?
See real solar costs for Bloomington, IL homes. This calculator uses actual installation data from local projects across Normal, Downs, Hudson, and nearby areas. Enter a few details to get a clear estimate based on firsthand numbers, so you can understand what solar might really cost for your home.
Cost Breakdown
| System Size | Monthly Payment | System Cost | Price per Watt | Final Cost | Monthly Savings | Payback Period | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Home (Up to 2,000 sq ft) | $79/mo | $28,095 | $2.86 | $28,095 | $142 | 13.4 years | $62,040 |
| Medium Home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) | |||||||
| Large Home (Over 3,000 sq ft) |
Key Takeaways
- Electricity rates: Illinois electricity prices rose about 20% from 2021 to 2024, so going solar in Bloomington can help stabilize your monthly energy costs against future rate hikes.
- Savings: Bloomington homeowners can save around $62,000 over 25 years with a typical solar system, thanks to lower bills and Illinois incentives.
- Leasing solar: Leasing solar through LightReach requires no upfront cost, and Palmetto handles all maintenance.
Bloomington Electricity Prices
If you live in Bloomington, IL, you’ve likely noticed your electricity bills climbing year after year. Here’s what the numbers actually show.
- Illinois electricity prices: Rose from 13.2 to 15.9 cents per kWh from 2021 to 2024.
- Solar installations: A solar installation lets Bloomington homeowners generate their own power instead of relying entirely on the grid, stabilizing monthly costs.
Price of Energy: Illinois vs National Average
Bloomington Area Utility Providers
In Bloomington, IL, most homes get their electricity from Ameren. In 2023, the rate was about 17.0¢ per kWh.
Illinois Solar Incentives
Going solar in Bloomington, IL is more affordable thanks to several solar incentives in Illinois:
| Incentive Name | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) | Rebate | Income-eligible households receive no-upfront-cost solar installations guaranteeing savings. | Learn More |
| Smart Inverter Rebate | Rebate | $300-per-kW upfront rebate for installing a solar system with a smart inverter. | Learn More |
| Net Metering | Net Metering | Illinois offers net metering with credits for excess energy tied to the supply portion of the bill. | |
| Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | Added home value from solar installation excluded from property tax assessment for 20 years. | Learn More |
Bloomington Solar Irradiance
Bloomington’s four distinct seasons affect solar panel production year-round. While cloudy days happen, Illinois sunshine effectively powers solar effectively throughout the year.
Solar Production in Bloomington by Month
| Month | Daily Production (kWh) |
|---|---|
| July | 47.8 |
| December | 21.1 |
Annual Production
- Over a year, your 10 kW system could offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions – the equivalent environmental benefit of planting 163 trees.
Solar Panel Systems in Bloomington
We’ve mapped solar installations across the United States, allowing you to see how many neighbors in Bloomington, IL have switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
With a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through LightReach, you can pay for the power your panels produce instead of a large upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bloomington, IL have net metering? Yes. Homes served by Ameren Illinois can use net metering for residential solar systems.
Do solar panels increase home value? Yes, owned solar panels can increase home value.
Cost to go solar in Bloomington, IL? With a LightReach lease, low fixed monthly payments start around $79/mo with no upfront cost.