Waukegan, IL Solar Panels
In This Guide
Solar Power in Waukegan
In Waukegan, in Lake County, whether solar may work well for your home depends on factors like your roof’s condition and orientation, household electricity use, and seasonal sunlight. Knowing what to check can make solar installation options easier to understand.
Start with our guide to home solar panels, then explore the considerations that shape a solar installation in Waukegan, Illinois.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Waukegan, IL?
Estimate solar installation costs in Waukegan with a calculator built from Palmetto’s real Illinois installation data. It draws on local projects in nearby communities like Gurnee, North Chicago, and Beach Park to give you a useful, locally informed starting point.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Solar can work in Waukegan year-round, though winter days and cloudy weather reduce output; roof condition, direction, and household use matter.
- A typical 9.84 kW system is estimated at $28,095, with projected savings depending on production, electricity rates, and usage.
- Illinois and ComEd offer several solar incentives, but eligibility, program availability, and contract terms vary.
Waukegan Electricity Prices
Electricity prices shape household budgets in Waukegan—and statewide trends help put local solar decisions in context.
Illinois residential electricity averaged 13.2¢ per kilowatt-hour in 2021 and 15.9¢ in 2024. These statewide figures are not Waukegan-specific; the national average rose from 13.7¢ to 16.5¢ over the same period.
For Waukegan homeowners, solar panels can produce electricity at home and offset some power bought from the grid. Actual bill impacts depend on system output, household use, utility rates, and applicable charges.
Over time, producing part of your own electricity may help limit exposure to changing utility prices. Solar’s long-term value depends on installation costs, maintenance, system performance, and how rates and household needs evolve.
Price of Energy: Illinois vs National Average
Waukegan Area Utility Providers
In Waukegan, ComEd is the utility shown in the available 2023 electricity-price data. Its average rate was 14.8¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh); 2024 figures are not yet available.
That placed ComEd 0.9¢ below Illinois’ 2023 average of 15.70¢/kWh and 1.2¢ below the national average of 16.0¢/kWh. These figures compare rates but do not identify why they differ.
For Waukegan households, solar may reduce the amount of electricity bought from the grid when panels generate power. Its value depends on how much a home uses and how much its system produces.
Waukegan Utilities Electricity Rates
Illinois Solar Incentives
Homeowners in Waukegan may find state and utility incentives that help offset solar installation costs. Review the solar incentives in Illinois listed below.
Illinois Shines offers REC-contract value, while Illinois Solar for All supports eligible households and organizations with reduced or no upfront costs and bill-savings protections. ComEd customers may qualify for solar or battery rebates; Ameren rebates are for eligible Ameren customers.
State and local incentives remain, with eligibility and terms varying. LightReach leasing simplifies incentives: Palmetto handles the commercial ITC and passes savings through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) | Solar renewable energy credit (REC) incentive | Qualifying Illinois rooftop-solar and community-solar projects can earn REC-contract value, which may reduce a customer’s project cost or be passed through according to the customer’s contract. | Learn More |
| Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) | Income-qualified solar incentive | Eligible households and certain nonprofits and public facilities can access qualifying solar or community solar with reduced or no upfront costs and required bill-savings protections. | Learn More |
| ComEd Distributed Generation Rebate | Utility solar rebate | Eligible ComEd residential and small-load customers may receive a rebate of $300 per kW for qualifying customer-owned renewable generation equipment. | Learn More |
| ComEd Residential Battery Storage Rebate | Utility battery storage rebate | Eligible ComEd residential customers may receive $300 per kWh of qualifying battery storage capacity, subject to utility program and tariff requirements. | Learn More |
| Illinois Solar Energy System Property-Tax Valuation | Property-tax valuation provision | Eligible Illinois solar-energy-system improvements may use an alternate property-tax valuation process, which can limit how the system’s value is reflected in an assessment but is not an automatic tax exemption. | Learn More |
Illinois Shines supports qualifying on-site solar and community-solar projects by contracting for the renewable energy credits (RECs) the systems are expected to produce. For 2026–27, the published REC prices for small distributed-generation projects up to 10 kW AC are $70.37 per REC in Group A and $80.77 per REC in Group B; eligible customer-owned small systems that do not receive a federal clean-energy credit may qualify for an additional $20 per REC. A REC represents 1 MWh of generation, so the total value depends on estimated production, location, project category, and program rules—not simply system size.
The REC payment is made to the Approved Vendor, not automatically as a household rebate. The customer’s purchase, lease, or power-purchase agreement determines whether and how much value reaches the customer; review the Illinois Shines disclosure and contract before signing. Capacity and waitlist status can change, and qualifying small-system contracts approved on or after June 1, 2026 pay 50% at energization with the remainder paid over the following six years.
Illinois Solar for All uses REC contracts with approved project vendors to make solar more affordable for eligible participants. For qualifying residential rooftop projects, the program is structured to offer no upfront cost for many 1–4-unit homes, while other eligible properties may receive low- or no-upfront-cost offers; community-solar subscriptions are also available. The customer benefit is the project pricing and required savings protections, not a standard cash payment to every household.
Residential and community-solar household eligibility is generally based on gross income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, adjusted for household size and location. Program requirements, including savings, maintenance, and warranty protections, apply, and funding and application windows are limited. Confirm current eligibility and availability through the program before relying on an offer.
ComEd’s published rebate materials list a $300-per-kW rebate for qualifying residential and small-load customer-owned renewable generation. The rebate can lower the net upfront cost of an eligible solar installation, but the amount is based on qualifying system capacity and program rules; it is not a universal payment for every solar system.
Equipment, smart-inverter, interconnection, customer-class, and tariff requirements apply. If you are on legacy full-retail net metering, taking a generation rebate may affect your delivery-service credits or legacy billing status under the applicable utility rules. Confirm the current rebate terms and the effect on your specific net-metering arrangement with ComEd in writing before applying.
ComEd’s published program materials list a storage rebate of $300 per kWh for eligible residential and small-load customers. The rebate can reduce the cost of a qualifying battery, with the payment determined by eligible storage capacity and the program’s terms. ComEd’s materials specify hourly supply service (BESH) for the residential storage rebate.
Eligible equipment, smart-inverter, customer-class, and tariff requirements apply; verify whether the battery must be paired with or charged by an on-site renewable generator under the current terms. Storage receiving a rebate on or after June 1, 2026 may also be subject to scheduled-dispatch requirements, with ComEd’s filed rider indicating service may begin no later than March 1, 2027. Confirm the obligation and any compensation with ComEd before applying.
Illinois law provides an alternate valuation process for eligible solar-energy-system improvements. A property owner may file a claim with the county chief assessment officer; depending on the system, property, and applicable assessment rules, the process can affect the assessed value used to calculate property taxes and may reduce the tax impact compared with ordinary valuation.
This is not a blanket exemption from property taxes and does not guarantee a particular dollar savings. Eligibility and the valuation calculation depend on the property and system, and the owner must follow the applicable filing process. Contact the county assessor and review the Illinois Department of Revenue guidance to determine whether your installation qualifies.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Illinois incentives.
Get a Free QuoteWaukegan Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Waukegan’s lake-influenced clouds, snowy winters, and shorter winter days can reduce output, while long summer days boost it; with the right system, local weather needn’t rule out solar.
Solar Production in Waukegan by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Waukegan
We’ve organized solar installation data from across the United States to create this interactive map of Waukegan. Click a hexagon to see how many installations are nearby, and explore the neighborhoods and communities where your neighbors have made the switch to solar.
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Waukegan
Verify the license
Illinois does not have a general state contractor license. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) requires certification before covered distributed-generation installation work—generally the electrical wiring and connections needed to interconnect a system with the utility. Planning or project management alone is not covered, so ask each bidder which company will perform the electrical work and confirm that company’s certification on the ICC distributed-generation installer page. If the project includes roofing, ask whether the roofing scope requires a separate IDFPR roofing-contractor license. Don’t assume one credential covers every part of the job.
Look for certified installers
Ask who will do the installation and whether the people overseeing the work hold relevant NABCEP certification. NABCEP credentials can indicate training and demonstrated qualifications; ask which credential applies to the work and how you can verify it. Manufacturer certifications may show product-specific training or authorization, but they vary by manufacturer and do not replace any required ICC certification. Compare credentials alongside experience, references, and the written scope—not as a substitute for them.
Compare quotes the same way
Ask every installer to quote the same system assumptions and put the details in writing. Compare:
- System size: DC capacity in kW, and the panel and inverter brands and models.
- Price: total installed price and price per watt; separate equipment, installation, and optional add-ons where possible.
- Expected output: estimated production in kWh per year, plus the assumptions behind the estimate.
- Warranties: panel product and performance, inverter, workmanship, and roof penetrations. Ask who handles a claim and whether labor is covered.
- Project responsibilities: who handles permits, inspections, and the utility interconnection application.
- Payment: total cost or monthly payment, fees, and any payment escalator. For a financed or leased offer, compare the full payment terms, not just the starting amount.
Permits, interconnection and your HOA
For privately funded residential work, the local government handles required plan review, permits, and inspections; requirements vary by location. Ask who submits each item and who schedules inspections. The homeowner or installer applies to the electric distribution company (EDC) serving the property. Confirm which utility serves your address: local utilities include Commonwealth Edison Co, Ameren Illinois Company, MidAmerican Energy Co, and City of Springfield – (IL). Get the interconnection application and responsibility in writing. Illinois law limits HOA restrictions: an association may not prohibit or effectively prohibit a solar energy system. Design and configuration rules may apply, but may not reduce estimated annual production by more than 10% (765 ILCS 165/15 and 165/20). Check proposed plans with your association early.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign the same day or claims that an offer disappears unless you commit immediately.
- Unlicensed or out-of-state crews when the responsible contractor, required credentials, or local project contact cannot be clearly identified.
- A production estimate with no annual kWh figure or explanation of its assumptions.
- A large upfront deposit without clear written milestones, cancellation terms, and refund conditions.
- Promises of federal homeowner tax credits for purchases in 2026; homeowner credits ended December 31, 2025.
Leasing Solar Panels
For Waukegan homes served by ComEd, Palmetto’s LightReach solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is available. A PPA charges for the electricity your panels produce, so payments can vary by season. A lease instead has a set monthly payment; see our guide to buying or leasing solar for more details.
With a PPA, you don’t pay the full system cost upfront. Palmetto owns the system and handles maintenance under the program, unlike a cash purchase where you own the panels and arrange upkeep yourself.
Solar may reduce the electricity you buy from the grid, but utility charges can remain. Learn about LightReach and review your agreement for payment terms, maintenance coverage, and other details.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Explore LightReach LeasingFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Waukegan homes served by ComEd have net-metering or export-credit options, but the credit depends on when the solar system receives permission to operate (PTO).
Systems approved by Dec. 31, 2024, can receive retail-rate kWh credits that roll over monthly, though unused credits expire in April or October. For systems approved on or after Jan. 1, 2025, exported power earns ComEd’s supply-and-transmission credit, not full retail value; it cannot offset delivery charges, customer charges, or taxes. Remaining credits roll over indefinitely.
Solar panels may increase a Waukegan home’s value when the homeowner owns the system. A Zillow study found homes with solar panels sold for about 4.1% more on average, but that national finding is not a guaranteed increase for every Lake County home.
This value finding applies to purchased or otherwise owned systems, not leased or third-party-owned (TPO) systems. A lease may affect resale differently because the buyer may need to assume the agreement. System condition, energy production, and local market conditions also matter.
In Waukegan, a LightReach solar lease has no upfront cost and a low fixed monthly payment. The calculator estimates $79 per month for a typical 9.84-kW system serving a 2,000–3,000-square-foot home.
A cash purchase is another option: the same typical system is estimated at $28,095. The federal 30% residential solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases following the 2025 federal law change. See the calculator above for estimates by home size.
In Waukegan, a solar lease means Palmetto owns and installs the panels while you pay a monthly amount instead of buying the system. A typical 9.84 kW system is estimated at $79/month, based on Illinois production of 1,134 kWh per kW yearly and a rate of $0.085/kWh.
LightReach has no upfront cost; one payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and protection, including a 90% Production Guarantee. Palmetto claims the commercial 30% ITC as owner and passes savings through as lower payments. Lease payments are typically below the current electricity bill, so savings may start on day one; ComEd charges can remain.
In Waukegan, state options include Illinois Shines REC-contract value, Illinois Solar for All reduced- or no-upfront-cost options and bill-savings protections for eligible households, and alternate property-tax valuation for qualifying systems—not a blanket exemption.
Eligible ComEd customers may qualify for $300/kW solar and $300/kWh battery rebates. The federal 30% residential credit is no longer available for cash purchases after the 2025 law change; with LightReach leasing, Palmetto claims the commercial ITC and passes savings through as lower monthly payments.
Solar can be worth it financially in Waukegan when the cost of solar is lower than the electricity it replaces. With a LightReach lease, there’s no upfront investment, and the monthly payment is typically less than a homeowner’s current electricity bill, so savings can begin once the system is operating.
Your utility bill may not disappear: remaining ComEd charges and actual savings depend on your energy use, roof, system production, rates, and lease terms.
In Waukegan, a 10 kW solar system is estimated to produce about 13,400 kWh per year, based on the article’s NREL PVWatts estimate. A typical 9.84 kW home system would produce roughly 13,200 kWh annually at a similar rate.
Production changes by season: the article estimates about 51 kWh per day in July versus 22 kWh per day in December for a 10 kW system. Roof direction, shading, weather, and system design affect actual output.