Solar Installation Cost in Chicago, IL
Solar Installation in Chicago, IL costs a median of $18,696, with the middle 50% of projects between $11,856 and $25,402. Based on 3,567 permits filed between November 2018 and September 2026 with City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Last recalculated September 13, 2026.
Sourced from 3,567 building permits on file with the City of Chicago. Source: Chicago Building Permits.
Types of Solar Installation Work in Chicago
| Type | Typical cost | Range | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Mount | $18,243 | $100 - $79,475 | 3,023 |
What Most Homeowners Paid
Each bar counts the projects filed in that price range.
| Price range | Projects |
|---|---|
| $5,544 to $9,045 | 395 |
| $9,045 to $12,545 | 397 |
| $12,545 to $16,046 | 477 |
| $16,046 to $19,546 | 456 |
| $19,546 to $23,047 | 540 |
| $23,047 to $26,548 | 354 |
| $26,548 to $30,048 | 230 |
| $30,048 to $33,549 | 165 |
| $33,549 to $37,049 | 108 |
| $37,049 to $40,550 | 92 |
You could save $5,609 on a typical solar PV system in this market by claiming all available federal and state incentives on your tax return.
- Earn up to $12,116 from Illinois Shines over 15 yearsAbout $6,058 lump sum at installation, then $6,058 over 6 years (about $1,010 per year)Estimate based on 8 kW residential system at Illinois state-average production (10,000 kWh/year). Rate of $80.77 per SREC for ComEd residential systems under 10 kW for Program Year 2025-26; rates set annually by the Illinois Power Agency.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)30%
- Federal credit applies to systems placed in service through .
Net cost is the median permit value minus the credits above, with each percent credit capped at its statutory maximum. Credits are nonrefundable and require sufficient tax liability to claim. Utility-level rebates are not included. Production-based program payments are shown in nominal dollars over the program duration; net present value is lower. Sources: IRS Form 5695, Illinois Shines.
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Public record data. HomeQuotr does not alter, estimate, or interpolate permit values.
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Common Questions About Solar Installation Costs in Chicago
The median solar installation project in Chicago, IL costs $18,696, based on 3,567 building permits. Most projects fall between $11,856 and $25,402.
The middle 50% of solar installation projects in Chicago fall between $11,856 and $25,402. Costs vary with project scope, materials, property size, and local labor rates.
This estimate is based on 3,567 building permits filed between November 2018 and September 2026 with Chicago Building Permits.
Every price comes from building permits filed with city and county governments. When a contractor pulls a permit, they declare the project value. HomeQuotr aggregates those declared values for Chicago. Not surveys, not estimates, not self-reported data.
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Solar projects in Chicago may qualify for Illinois Shines and Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).