Joliet, IL Solar Panels: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Joliet
If you live in Joliet, IL, and you’ve watched your electricity bill climb, you’re not alone. Illinois electricity prices have increased 22% from 2020 to 2024, and many Joliet homeowners are now exploring solar panel installation as a way to take more control over their energy.
You’re in good company—Illinois ranks 12th in the nation for residential solar installations. Whether you’re just starting to research or ready to compare options, this guide explains how solar installation works for homes in our area. You can also explore our guide on home solar panels to learn more.
ILLINOIS by the Numbers
- 12th Most residential solar in the United States
- 73 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.6 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$61k Joliet average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Joliet, IL?
See real solar costs for your Joliet home, built from our actual local installations. This calculator uses firsthand data from neighborhoods across Joliet and nearby areas like Shorewood, Crest Hill, Rockdale, and Plainfield—giving you a clear, honest estimate based on what your neighbors have already paid.
Recommended System
- System Size: 9.84 kW
- Your Monthly Payment: Estimated monthly cost with LightReach $79/mo
Cost Breakdown
- System Cost: $28,095
- Price per Watt: $2.86
- Final Cost: $28,095
Savings
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction $140
- Payback Period: Break-even point 13.6 years
- 25-Year Savings: $61,154
Key Takeaways
- Illinois electricity prices rose about 22% from 2020 to 2024, so many Joliet homeowners are turning to solar to gain more control over rising bills.
- Joliet homeowners can save around $61,000 over 25 years with solar, and can start with no upfront cost through a LightReach lease.
- Illinois incentives make solar more affordable, including ComEd rebates, net metering, and a 20-year property tax exemption.
Joliet Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Joliet, IL have been climbing for years. Understanding the trend can help you plan smarter energy choices for your home.
Illinois electricity prices rose about 20% from 2021 to 2024, moving from 13.2 to 15.9 cents per kWh. That steady increase adds up on monthly bills for Joliet homeowners.
Solar installation in Joliet offers one way to gain more control over these rising costs. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce how much you buy from the grid each month.
Price of Energy: Illinois vs National Average
| Year | Illinois Price | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13.2¢ | --- |
| 2024 | 15.9¢ | 16.0¢ |
Joliet Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate |
|---|---|
| ComEd | 14.80¢ |
| IL Average | 15.70¢ |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
Illinois Solar Incentives
Going solar in Joliet is more affordable thanks to several solar incentives in Illinois that help offset the cost of installation.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) | Rebate | Provides income-eligible households (at or below 80% of area median income) with no-upfront-cost solar installations that guarantee at least 50% savings on the value of energy produced. | Learn More |
| ComEd Smart Inverter Rebate | Rebate | Customers receive a $300-per-kW upfront rebate for installing a solar system equipped with a smart inverter. | Learn More |
| Illinois Net Metering | Net Metering | Offers net metering for solar customers, where excess electricity sent to the grid is credited at retail rates for legacy customers and supply-only credits for new customers. | |
| Illinois Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax | Exempts added home value from solar installation from property tax assessments for 20 years. | Learn More |
Joliet Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Solar Production in Joliet by Month
- System Size: 5 kW, 7 kW, 10 kW
Summer Production (July)
- Energy Production: 49.3 kWh/day
Winter Production (December)
- Energy Production: 20.7 kWh/day
Annual Production
- Total: 13,384 kWh/year
Solar Panel Systems in Joliet
We’ve mapped solar installations across the United States, including Joliet, IL. See how many neighbors have switched to solar through our interactive heatmap.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Joliet, your utility is ComEd, and Palmetto offers a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) here. With a PPA, you don’t buy the system but pay for the clean power your panels produce.
Through Palmetto’s LightReach program, payments cover everything with no upfront cost, and maintenance is handled by Palmetto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Joliet, IL have net metering? Yes. Joliet is served by ComEd, which offers net metering for home solar systems. Systems interconnected before January 1, 2025, receive full retail-rate credits for excess energy.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Joliet, IL? Yes. Owned or purchased solar panels can increase your home’s value by an average of 4.1%.
What’s the approximate cost to go solar in Joliet, IL? Many homeowners start with low fixed monthly payments with a LightReach lease — as low as $79/month for medium homes, without upfront costs.
How does leasing solar work in Joliet? Leasing through LightReach means one monthly payment covers everything—including installation, monitoring, and maintenance, typically lower than your current bill.