Springfield, IL Solar: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Springfield
If you live in Springfield, IL and your electric bill keeps climbing, you’re not imagining things. Illinois electricity prices have increased 22% from 2020 to 2024, leaving many homeowners looking for ways to take control of their energy costs. Solar installation is one option worth understanding.
This guide walks you through what solar panel installation looks like in Springfield—from how the process works to what to expect for your home. To learn more, explore our overview of home solar panels.
ILLINOIS by the Numbers
- 12th Most residential solar in the United States
- 73 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.8 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$63k Springfield average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Springfield, IL?
Curious what solar really costs in Springfield? This calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area—including Chatham, Rochester, Sherman, and Leland Grove. See personalized estimates based on actual local projects, so you can understand your options with confidence and clarity.
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
- System Cost: $28,095
- Price per Watt: $2.86
- Final Cost: $28,095
Savings
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction $144
- Payback Period: 13.3 years
- 25-Year Savings: $62,954
Key Takeaways
- Springfield electricity prices climbed about 20% from 2021 to 2024, so producing your own solar power can help you gain more control over rising monthly bills.
- Illinois offers strong state and local incentives, including Ameren rebates, net metering credits, and a 20-year solar property tax exemption to lower your costs.
- A typical Springfield home can save around $63,000 over 25 years, and leasing through LightReach lets you go solar with no upfront cost.
Springfield Electricity Prices
If your Springfield electric bill keeps climbing, you’re not imagining things—energy costs here have risen steadily over the past few years.
Illinois electricity prices climbed from 13.2 cents per kWh in 2021 to 15.9 cents in 2024, roughly a 20% increase. That closely tracks the rising national average, so Springfield homeowners feel the same upward pressure.
Price of Energy: Illinois vs National Average
| Year | Illinois | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13.2¢ | 13.7¢ |
| 2022 | 15.0¢ | 15.7¢ |
| 2023 | 15.9¢ | 16.0¢ |
Springfield Area Utility Providers
In Springfield, IL, most homes get their power from Ameren. In 2023, Ameren charged about 17.0¢ per kWh—higher than both the 2023 Illinois state average of 15.70¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Springfield Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ameren | 17.00¢ |
| IL Average | 15.70¢ |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
Illinois Solar Incentives
Several state and local solar incentives in Illinois can help Springfield homeowners lower the cost of going solar.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) | Rebate | Provides income-eligible households with no-upfront-cost solar installations that guarantee at least 50% savings on the value of energy produced. | Learn More |
| ComEd & Ameren Distributed Generation (DG) Smart Inverter Rebate – Solar | Rebate | $300-per-kW upfront rebate for installing a solar system equipped with a smart inverter. | Learn More |
| Illinois Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | Exempts added home value from property tax assessments for 20 years, protecting homeowners from higher property tax bills after going solar. | Learn More |
Springfield Solar Irradiance
Solar Production in Springfield by Month
Summer Production (July)
- 48.7 kWh/day
- A 10 kW system could power:
- 3.2 average homes
- Run central AC for 16 hours AND power all other appliances
- Fully charge 4.9 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
- 21.4 kWh/day
- A 10 kW system could power:
- 1.4 average homes
- Keep your home heating system running for 10 hours
- Fully charge 2.1 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
- 13,778 kWh/year
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- Equal the environmental benefit of planting 165 trees.
Solar Panel Systems in Springfield
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore this interactive heatmap to see how many of your Springfield neighbors have already switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Springfield, most homes are served by Ameren, and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is available to customers. With a PPA, you agree to purchase the power it produces at a set price per kilowatt-hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield, IL have net metering?
- Yes. Springfield homes served by City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) qualify for 1:1 net metering.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Springfield, IL?
- Yes, but the increase applies to owned or purchased solar systems.
How much does it cost to go solar in Springfield, IL?
- With a LightReach lease, starting around $79/month for a medium home.