## 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](/content/solar/solar-panels-for-home/index.html) to learn more.

### ILLINOIS by the Numbers

- [12th](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/) Most residential solar in the United States
- [73](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/) Households have installed solar panels
- [4.6](/content/local/peak-sun-hours/index.html) Avg peak sun hours per day
- [~$61k](/content/local/illinois/joliet/#solar-cost-calculator/index.html) 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**

[Get Your Personalized Quote](https://luminance.palmetto.com/home/buy-solar/step-1?utm_source=localorganic)

## 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](/content/local/illinois/joliet/#incentives-table/index.html) 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](https://www.illinoissfa.com/) |
| 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](https://www.comed.com/) |
| 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](https://tax.illinois.gov/) |

## 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.