Solar PV Permit Applications

Visit this webpage for Northbrook's solar permitting process.

• Residential (Single family / townhouse)
• Commercial

Rooftop Solar

You can install solar panels on your property and benefit directly from solar energy in Illinois. The best way to go solar is to compare multiple quotes - you can join the EnergySage Marketplace for free to begin comparing your options from installation companies near you. Want to start with a little more research? Check out average prices for solar in Illinois, or read through reviews of the best local solar installers in Illinois.

Solar Funding Programs

Federal

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit: This tax credit deducts a percentage of your solar project costs from your federal income taxes. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the credit is now 30% from 2023 to 2032. You must own your panels to receive the tax credit. The system must be installed before the end of the year, and you must pay federal taxes to benefit. If the credit amounts to more than you paid in federal taxes in a single year, it can roll over for up to five years. Learn more about the residential energy credit (Form 5695) on the IRS website or on the Solar Energy Industries Association website. 

State

An overview for navigating state incentives: DSIRE Renewable Energy Incentives in Illinois

Illinois Shines: The state will provide a monetary incentive for renewable energy credits generated over a solar installation’s first 15 or 20 years of operation for accepted projects. Many different project types are eligible, however interested parties can only apply for funding through approved vendors. With questions, reach out to the program administrator at admin@illinoisshines.com or 877-783-1820. For more information, click here. This webpage also includes updates.

Illinois Solar for All: Income-qualified customers can get rooftop solar panels at no upfront cost and a guaranteed discount on the electricity generated from the system. For example, if an individual uses $100 worth of electricity from the system, the Vendor cannot charge them more than $50. For more information, click here.  

On-bill Credits from your Electric Utility: In ComEd territory, excess electricity is sent back to the grid and you’ll receive bill credits for that electricity in a process called “net metering.” These credits help maximize your monthly bill savings and ensure you’re credited for every kWh your system produces. Net metering credits are automatically applied to your utility bill, so you will not receive direct payments from your utility company. ComEd is required by state law to offer net metering: unused net metering credits rollover each month, but they “expire” every year (either April 30th or October 30th).

Solar Financing: There are many financial resources available to help you pay for your solar investment. Two common types of loans: bridge loans (covers the period between installing a system and receiving your incentives) and solar loans (offered by banks, credit unions and solar panel manufacturers). For more information, click here. 

Regional

Grow Solar Chicagoland is a grassroots residential and commercial group purchasing program for solar. Home and business owners throughout the Chicagoland region may participate in this program to secure significant discounts on solar installation by pooling their buying power. The program builds on previous years of success that helped over 200 local property owners go solar.

Local Resources

Calculate the Solar Potential of your Property

• Project Sunroof is a Google-sponsored webpage that assists people with determining how much money they can save with solar power using Google Earth. 
• ComEd has created a helpful step-by-step reference webpage:
  • Getting started with solar
  • Finding a qualified solar power contractor
  • Information regarding solar power financial incentives and tax credits

Installers:

1. How to Choose a Qualified Installer: Illinois Solar Energy Association
2. Installer Search: Illinois Commerce Commission
3. Locate Residential Installers: Illinois Solar Installers 
4. Certified Installer Lookup: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Installer Locator

Consumer Protection Resources

• Introduction to Rooftop Solar, provided by Citizens Utility Board
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a consumer protection webpage that will help people as they research and implement their solar power projects.