Illinois is a growing solar market that has benefitted a strong renewable portfolio standard that requires they generate 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. Their investment in solar increased by 3 1/2 times over the last year, growing to $27 million and supporting 166 solar companies.
Facts on the Illinois Solar Industry
- There are currently more than 166 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Illinois, employing 1,700.
- Illinois ranked 22nd nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
- In 2012, Illinois ranked 13th nationally in solar capacity installed.
- Illinois ranks 18th nationally in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 6,000 homes.
- In 2012, $27 million was invested in Illinois to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 259% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
- Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Illinois continue to fall--by 22% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.
View more solar industry data.
Notable Solar Installations in Illinois
- West Pullman Industrial Redevelopment Area in Chicago came online in 2012 at 10 MW. This $60 million project uses 32,292 photovoltaic panels to provide electricity for up to 1,500 homes per year. Most of the 200 jobs created during construction were sourced from the Chicago area.
- Grand Ridge Solar Plant in Otter Creek Township is a 23 MW photovoltaic system that came online in 2012. This project will generate $336,900 in tax revenue per year while powering 2,900 homes annually.
See our solar installations maps.
Solar Companies in Illinois
There are currently more than 166 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Illinois. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels. These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 44 manufacturers, 19 manufacturing facilities, 51 contractor/installers, 6 project developers, 15 distributors and 50 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.
Illinois Commerce Commission - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Illinois public utilities
Illinois State Legislature - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Illinois
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
DSIRE incentives database Illinois - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Illinois and across the United States-
US Energy Information Administration- Illinois State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government