Solar panels in DuPage County, IL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 11 DuPage County towns served by ComEd, then get free, no-obligation quotes.
Free, no-obligation quotes. Savings vary by home and utility. $0-down offers are leases or PPAs and are subject to approval.
Quick answer
Is solar worth it in DuPage County, IL?
For many homes, yes. With a $150 monthly bill, we estimate a system costs about $10,700 to $10,800 after the ComEd rebate and Illinois Shines in DuPage County, paying for itself in about 8.2 to 8.3 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
How does solar compare across DuPage County towns?
| Town | Output per kW | Net cost | Payback | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burr Ridge | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $700,400 | 94% |
| Clarendon Hills | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $605,800 | 84% |
| Darien | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $398,700 | 79% |
| Downers Grove | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $449,800 | 75% |
| Elmhurst | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $545,400 | 80% |
| Glen Ellyn | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $544,000 | 78% |
| Hinsdale | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $1,053,700 | 90% |
| Lisle | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $406,800 | 56% |
| Lombard | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $321,200 | 70% |
| Oak Brook | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $903,200 | 91% |
| Wheaton | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $455,700 | 72% |
Estimates for a cash purchase on an unshaded, south-facing roof. Home values and ownership rates are U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates; n/a means no Census figure was available. How we estimate
What do DuPage County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- Burr Ridge: Burr Ridge has a dedicated rooftop solar panel permit category, and applications can be filed online.
- Clarendon Hills: Clarendon Hills' zoning ordinance requires solar energy systems to comply with the ordinance rather than treating them as exempt utility equipment.
- Darien: Darien allows building-mounted solar as an accessory use in all zoning districts, and permits for small standard systems are usually issued within 10 days.
- Downers Grove: Downers Grove's zoning ordinance requires accessory solar energy systems to comply with the village's building and electrical codes, and leaves any solar access easements with neighbors to the property owner to negotiate and record with the county.
- Elmhurst: Elmhurst requires a permit for solar panels and accepts all permit applications through its online Citizen Self-Service Portal.
- Glen Ellyn: In Glen Ellyn, a solar system that connects only to the electrical system needs a Small Building Permit with plan review.
- Hinsdale: Hinsdale lists solar panels among the work that needs a building permit.
- Lisle: Lisle's Village Board endorsed the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact in 2021, and the village uses its electric aggregation revenue for EV charging and LED upgrades.
- Lombard: Lombard has endorsed the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution, which lets residents subscribe to an off-site solar project and receive monthly bill credits without installing equipment on their property.
- Oak Brook: Oak Brook takes permit applications and inspection requests through its online portal and publishes a residential permit requirement list. Development Services is at (630) 368-5101.
- Wheaton: When a roof with existing solar panels is replaced, Wheaton requires a solar installer with an active electrical license to be named on the permit application alongside the Illinois state-licensed roofer.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
How do I keep solar from raising my DuPage County property taxes?
File form PTAX-330 with the DuPage County assessment office. Under Illinois law, a home with solar can be assessed as if it had a conventional energy system, so panels don't raise your assessment.
How does solar work with ComEd in DuPage County?
ComEd pays about $300 per kW in rebates for new home solar systems with a smart inverter, and since 2025 credits exported power at the supply rate. Power you use as your panels produce it still saves the full retail rate.
See the full ComEd solar guide.
Choosing a company? See how to choose a solar installer in Illinois and what a solar quote should include.
DuPage County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves DuPage County?
The towns we cover in DuPage County are served by ComEd, which pays about $300 per kW in rebates for new solar systems and credits exported power at the supply rate.
How long does solar take to pay back in DuPage County?
For an unshaded home with a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 8.2 to 8.3 years in DuPage County, after the utility rebate and Illinois Shines.
Will solar raise my property taxes in DuPage County?
Not if you file form PTAX-330. Illinois lets the county assess a home with solar as if it had a conventional energy system. See how Illinois taxes homes with solar.
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