Solar panels in Kane County, IL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 4 Kane 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 Kane 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 Kane County, paying for itself in about 8.2 to 8.3 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
How does solar compare across Kane County towns?
| Town | Output per kW | Net cost | Payback | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $274,800 | 66% |
| Campton Hills | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $547,500 | 99% |
| Elgin | 1,200 kWh | $10,800 | 8.3 yrs | $273,000 | 72% |
| Sugar Grove | 1,210 kWh | $10,700 | 8.2 yrs | $401,900 | 93% |
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 Kane County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- Aurora: Aurora requires a permit for solar. Homeowners or installers submit the city's solar building permit application to the Building and Permits division, and inspections are scheduled online.
- Campton Hills: Campton Hills adopted a new zoning ordinance in December 2024. Draft rules limited roof panels on pitched roofs to 18 inches of rise and freestanding systems to interior side and rear yards, so confirm the final solar rules with the village before you sign.
- Elgin: Elgin earned a SolSmart designation after adopting a solar and wind ordinance and working to streamline solar permitting.
- Sugar Grove: Sugar Grove's village code allows small solar systems in every zoning district with a building permit, while large solar farms aren't allowed in the village.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
How do I keep solar from raising my Kane County property taxes?
File form PTAX-330 with the Kane 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 Kane 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.
Kane County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves Kane County?
The towns we cover in Kane 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 Kane County?
For an unshaded home with a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 8.2 to 8.3 years in Kane County, after the utility rebate and Illinois Shines.
Will solar raise my property taxes in Kane 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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