Solar Panels in Chicago, IL
Chicago gets 3.9 peak sun hours/day with electricity at $0.155/kWh. Calculate panels needed, cost after 30% ITC, and payback period.
Sun Hours
3.9/day
Rate
$0.155/kWh
Cost/Watt
$2.95
Net Metering
Yes
☀️ Chicago Solar Calculator
6,452 kWh
Panels
173
System Size
69.2 kW
Annual kWh
78,805
Net Cost
$142,898
Savings/yr
$12,215
Payback
11.7 yrs
25-Yr Savings
$162,477
System Sizes in Chicago
| Monthly kWh | Panels | kW | Net Cost | Savings/yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 14 | 5.6 | $11,564 | $988 | 11.7 yrs |
| 750 | 21 | 8.4 | $17,346 | $1,483 | 11.7 yrs |
| 1,000 | 27 | 10.8 | $22,302 | $1,906 | 11.7 yrs |
| 1,500 | 41 | 16.4 | $33,866 | $2,895 | 11.7 yrs |
| 2,000 | 54 | 21.6 | $44,604 | $3,813 | 11.7 yrs |
| 2,500 | 67 | 26.8 | $55,342 | $4,731 | 11.7 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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Solar Calculator by City
New York City
3.6 hrs · $0.225/kWh
Los Angeles
5.6 hrs · $0.28/kWh
Houston
5 hrs · $0.135/kWh
Phoenix
6.6 hrs · $0.138/kWh
Philadelphia
3.9 hrs · $0.162/kWh
San Antonio
5.3 hrs · $0.125/kWh
San Diego
5.7 hrs · $0.35/kWh
Dallas
5.1 hrs · $0.13/kWh
Austin
5.2 hrs · $0.125/kWh
Denver
5.5 hrs · $0.148/kWh
Miami
5.3 hrs · $0.148/kWh
Atlanta
4.7 hrs · $0.135/kWh
Seattle
3.2 hrs · $0.115/kWh
Boston
3.8 hrs · $0.27/kWh
Las Vegas
6.4 hrs · $0.13/kWh
Portland
3.5 hrs · $0.13/kWh
Minneapolis
4 hrs · $0.145/kWh
Tampa
5.4 hrs · $0.142/kWh
Charlotte
4.7 hrs · $0.128/kWh
San Francisco
5 hrs · $0.3/kWh
Detroit
3.5 hrs · $0.185/kWh
Nashville
4.4 hrs · $0.125/kWh
Salt Lake City
5.3 hrs · $0.115/kWh
Raleigh
4.7 hrs · $0.125/kWh
Sacramento
5.5 hrs · $0.25/kWh
Orlando
5.3 hrs · $0.145/kWh
San Jose
5.3 hrs · $0.3/kWh
Tucson
6.4 hrs · $0.135/kWh
Albuquerque
6.2 hrs · $0.14/kWh
See also: Solar in Illinois