If you own or operate a business in Illinois, you may be considering installing solar panels on your property. Here are a few things you’ll want to know before getting started.

Suitable for solar
Although Illinois may not exactly be known as the sunshine state, it actually averages about 198 sunny days per year (compared to the US average of 205) and the cooler seasonal temperatures in both spring and fall can be more conducive to efficient solar energy production than extremely hot temperatures.
Incentives abound
Any discussions around solar for businesses in Illinois should definitely cover the wide array of incentives available. Here are some of the most important ones currently available:
Illinois Renewable Energy Credits
Through the Illinois Solar for All Program, businesses installing solar panels can earn Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) ranging from $50 to $180 each. These credits can then be sold to utilities to help offset the upfront costs of installing the solar system and provide ongoing revenue.
Business energy investment tax credit
The federal government passed the Inflation Reduction Act in the fall of 2022, which extended and lowered the business investment tax credit (ITC) through 2032 before seeing its first step down. The ITC allows businesses to deduct up to 30 percent of the cost of their solar panel systems from their federal taxes for systems that start their installation process before the end of 2032.
Net metering
Commercial customers of ComEd, Ameren and MidAmerican can participate in net metering, a policy that allows businesses to receive credit for excess energy generated by their solar panels that is sent back to the grid. This can help offset the cost of energy usage during times when the solar panels are not generating enough power to meet the business’s needs.
State and local incentives
Illinois offers various other state and local incentives that can further support your business’s solar installation. For example, the Illinois Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program allows businesses to obtain up to 100 percent long-term, fixed-rate financing for their solar installation through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. The City of Chicago also has their own PACE program.
Find a reputable installer
Another consideration for businesses in Illinois thinking about installing solar is selecting an experienced installer.
Now’s the time to get started
There’s no better time to go solar in Illinois. Installing solar panels for your business can be a smart financial and environmental decision, but it’s important to work with professionals who have experience installing solar systems on commercial properties in Illinois to ensure that the installation is done correctly and meets your business’s needs.
Fill out our quote form to get in contact with one of our professionals and begin the process. Or to learn more about solar for business, download our ebook Solar for Business.
