Solar panels are a failproof source of cheap electricity, making them the perfect solution for potential grid outages and substantial long-term savings. However, even though the prices are constantly decreasing, solar panels can be a burdening investment in the short term, whether in Illinois or any other state.
But not if you use Illinois solar incentives to lower the initial upfront investment.
The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program can make solar power a reality for income-eligible residents by eliminating the financial barrier to purchasing solar panel modules and PV solar panels.
Read on to learn how to get almost free solar panels in Illinois.
Introduction To Solar Energy Illinois Programs
You can achieve eco-friendly electrification in Chicago within a reasonable budget. To determine whether you can get cheaper solar energy, check your eligibility with Illinois Solar For All. There, you can get new solar panels for your homes.
You don’t even need to research panel recycling to lower the investment. ILSFA eliminates the upfront costs for income-eligible participants. You don’t need to pay a downpayment for a new solar panel, which can be up to 20% of the panel’s price.
Instead of a traditional purchase, Illinois Solar for All uses a leasing or power purchase agreement (PPA) model. Under this Illinois solar program, you’ll pay a reduced monthly fee for the electricity generated by the solar panels, capped at 50% or less of the value of the energy produced.
So, while technically, you won’t get solar panels in Illinois for free, you still benefit immensely from this incentive. Solar For All eliminates the initial financial burden and ensures your ongoing costs are capped at a lower rate than traditional electricity bills. Considering that the average cost of solar panels in Illinois ranges from $15,000 to $40,000, this deal still benefits potential owners.
Who Is Eligible For Free Solar Panels in Illinois?
The eligibility parameters are on the Illinois Solar For All website. To get Illinois solar incentives, you must meet the income requirement: gross household income does not exceed 80% of area median income (AMI)*.
To find out if you are eligible for this IL solar program, enter your county and household size on the Income Lookup page at the Illinois Solar For All website.
Once you pick your county and enter the number of people living in your house, the system pre-calculates the maximum income for eligibility. For instance, if you are a single-person household in Ford County, your gross income should be lower than $46,000.
How To Apply for Illinois Solar Panels Program
Once you are eligible for this incentive, you need to find an approved solar installer. For residential Solar or non-profit/public facilities, choose an ILSFA-approved company from their directory. If you need community solar, pick a company accepting subscribers in your area. Use the list of approved vendors on the ILSFA website.
The next step is to plan your project with the chosen company. They will design a suitable project for solar panels in Illinois and submit it to ILSFA for approval and installation. For Community Solar, they’ll determine the ideal subscription size based on your energy usage.
Once they gather the permits needed for suitable Illinois solar incentives, they will install the panel on your roof. From now on, you can generate clean energy and reduce your electricity bills. Approved companies ensure you see financial benefits.
If you aren’t eligible for ILSFA, check Illinois Shines, another Illinois solar panel program that can reduce upfront costs and provide long-term energy savings. This program offers upfront payments for a portion of the cost of your solar PV system.
The exact amount of the incentive depends on your location, income, size, and location of your system. In this case, the solar panel cost in Illinois will be slightly higher than with ILSFA. Meanwhile, it will still be cheaper than purchasing panels on your own.
Get Your Solar Quote Online In Minutes
If you’re looking for affordable yet highly efficient, high-quality solar panels in Chicago, look no further than SolarCC. In less than 5 minutes, we will choose the best solar panel installer that fully matches your expectations and budget.
Get your instant solar quote now for questions about solar panels and Illinois solar panel incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for free solar panels in Illinois?
You are eligible for Illinois Solar For All (ILSFA) if your household income is below 80% of the county median.
How do I apply for the Illinois Solar Incentive Program?
You need to find an approved local installer team. You can find this list on the ILSFA website, or you can ask the SolarCC team to find you a suitable team and get a personalized quote from them.
What happens after approval?
Once you get your ILSFA approval for your solar panels in Illinois, contact the ILSFA-approved vendors. They will discuss project details with you, including the system’s design, permits, and financing options.
How to get free solar panels from the government
There are no free solar power incentives in any state, including Illinois, nor are there free solar panels. However, you can apply for government programs to lower the investment and eliminate initial payment: Illinois Solar For All and Illinois Shines.
Are solar panels free in Illinois?
No, solar power in Illinois is not free. However, a few programs can lower the investment, making solar panels more affordable.
How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?
The price per watt ranges from $2.70 to $4. Considering an average system size of around 7.5 kW, the panel will cost approximately $20,000-$40,000 before incentives. Tax credits, Illinois Solar For All, and Illinois Shines programs can lower this investment.
Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?
Yes, solar panels in Illinois are an excellent investment. Solar panels generate clean electricity, offsetting your reliance on the grid and significantly saving electricity bills. Solar panels in Illinois also can increase a property value by up to 10.
