Solar Panels in Chicago, IL
Chicago gets 3.9 peak sun hours/day with electricity at $0.155/kWh. Calculate panels needed, installed cost, and payback period (updated for 2026 — no federal credit).
☀️ Chicago Solar Calculator
System Sizes in Chicago
| Monthly kWh | Panels | kW | Installed Cost | Savings/yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 14 | 5.6 | $16,520 | $988 | 16.7 yrs |
| 750 | 21 | 8.4 | $24,780 | $1,483 | 16.7 yrs |
| 1,000 | 27 | 10.8 | $31,860 | $1,906 | 16.7 yrs |
| 1,500 | 41 | 16.4 | $48,380 | $2,895 | 16.7 yrs |
| 2,000 | 54 | 21.6 | $63,720 | $3,813 | 16.7 yrs |
| 2,500 | 67 | 26.8 | $79,060 | $4,731 | 16.7 yrs |
Solar Guide for Chicago (2026)
Chicago at latitude 41.88°N receives 3.9 peak sun hours/day. At $0.155/kWh, solar offers solid long-term savings.
Incentives: Federal ITC + IL Shines SRECs ($75/MWh).
NEC Solar Requirements
All installations must comply with NEC Article 690: rapid shutdown (690.12), conductor sizing at 125% (690.8), and proper grounding per NEC 250. Use our Solar Wire Size Calculator for conductor sizing.
Disclaimer: Estimates only. Consult a licensed solar installer. NEC Article 690 compliance required.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See also: Solar in Illinois