Utilities we work with
ComEd, Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican Energy, co-ops and city utilities
Utility rebate
A one-time $300 per kW rebate from ComEd and Ameren Illinois
Illinois Shines
Payments for the renewable energy credits your system makes
Licensed
Licensed in every state we serve
Going solar in Illinois
Wolf River Electric installs solar panels, batteries, EV chargers and standby generators for Illinois homes and businesses. We work with ComEd customers in northern Illinois, Ameren Illinois customers in central and southern Illinois, MidAmerican Energy customers in the Quad Cities, and co-op and city utility customers.
Since January 1, 2025, new ComEd and Ameren Illinois solar customers get bill credits for the supply portion of the power they send to the grid, plus a one-time rebate of $300 per kW of system size. A battery rebate is also available. Because exported power earns less than before, we size each system to the power you use and show you the numbers with and without a battery.
Illinois Shines pays for the renewable energy credits (RECs) your system produces, through an Approved Vendor. Illinois law also limits how much solar can raise your property assessment, and income-qualified households may be eligible for Illinois Solar for All. Prefer not to buy? Ask about our prepaid lease offer.
Choosing an installer
How to choose a solar company in Illinois
The best solar companies in Illinois have a few things in common. Use these six checks to compare any installer, including us.
Licensed electricians on the crew
Solar is electrical work. Ask whether the people on your roof are the company's own licensed electricians or subcontractors. Wolf River Electric installs with its own crews.
NABCEP certification
NABCEP is the main certification for solar installers. Wolf River Electric is a NABCEP-certified company.
A long record of real reviews
Read recent Google reviews, not only the testimonials on a company's own site. Wolf River Electric has more than 900 Google reviews.
A quote built from your bills
A good quote starts from 12 months of your electric bills and your utility's actual credit rules, not a generic savings promise.
Permits and paperwork handled
Your installer should pull the permits, file the utility application and schedule the inspections for you.
Service after the install
Ask who answers when something stops working. We repair systems of any brand, including ones from installers that closed.
Cost and incentives
Solar panels in Illinois: cost and incentives at a glance
| Average price per watt | About $2.95 per watt before incentives (EnergySage, October 2026) |
| Typical system | About 11.6 kW, or about $34,200 before incentives |
| Main incentives | New ComEd and Ameren Illinois solar customers get a one-time rebate of $300 per kW, and Illinois Shines pays for the renewable energy credits your system makes. Exported power earns a supply-only credit, so we size systems to your usage. |
| Federal tax credit | The 30% credit for homeowner-owned systems ended after 2025. Businesses, and homeowners who choose a solar lease or prepaid lease, can still benefit from the commercial credit. |
Your price depends on your roof or ground mount, your usage and the equipment you pick. We quote from your actual bills.
How it works
How going solar works in Illinois
Bill review and site visit
We look at 12 months of your bills, your roof or yard, and your electrical panel.
Design and quote
You get a system design, a production estimate and a price, with and without a battery.
Permits and utility approval
We pull the local permits and file the interconnection application with ComEd, Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican Energy, your co-op or your city utility.
Installation
Our own licensed crews install the panels, inverters and any battery, usually in a few days on site.
Inspection and turn-on
After the inspection and utility approval, we turn the system on and set up monitoring with you.
What we install in Illinois
Where we work in Illinois
Homes, farms and businesses in and around these cities. Call us to check your address.
Northern Illinois (ComEd)Central and southern Illinois (Ameren Illinois)Quad Cities (MidAmerican Energy)Co-op and city utility areas
What our customers say
★★★★★
"Working with our project manager, Mark, was a very positive experience. He was communicative, professional, and kept us informed throughout the process."
Beth C. · Google review
★★★★★
"The entire process including installation went seamlessly while I was at work. I didn't need to worry about any permits or dealing with the local utility company either."
Brandon B. · Google review
Illinois solar questions
Is solar still worth it in Illinois after the 2025 change?
For many homes, yes. Exported power now earns a supply-only credit, but the $300 per kW utility rebate, Illinois Shines REC payments and the property tax limit still help. We size the system to your use and show you the payback before you decide.
How long does installation take?
Installation usually takes 1 to 3 days. From signed agreement to turn-on, most projects take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on permits and utility approval.
Can you remove and reinstall my panels for a new roof?
Yes. We remove, store and reinstall panels when you replace your roof, and we check the system before we turn it back on.
Do you service systems another company installed?
Yes. We diagnose and repair solar systems from other installers, including inverter, wiring and monitoring problems. Solar repair
How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?
Home solar is priced per watt. EnergySage data from October 2026 puts the Illinois average at about $2.95 per watt before incentives, for a typical system of about 11.6 kW. The utility rebate and Illinois Shines payments lower your net cost.
How do I choose a solar company in Illinois?
Look for a licensed electrical contractor with its own crews, real reviews and service after the install, and ask how it handles your utility rebate and Illinois Shines paperwork. Wolf River Electric is employee-owned and licensed in every state we serve.
What are the best solar companies in Illinois?
The best solar company for you is licensed in Illinois, installs with its own trained crews, has a long record of real Google reviews and gives you a quote built from your bills. Wolf River Electric is a NABCEP-certified company with more than 900 Google reviews, and we install with our own licensed crews.