Solar panels in Kankakee County, IL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 3 Kankakee 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 Kankakee County, IL?
For many homes, yes. With a $150 monthly bill, we estimate a system costs about $10,000 to $10,600 after the ComEd rebate and Illinois Shines in Kankakee County, paying for itself in about 7.9 to 8 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
How does solar compare across Kankakee County towns?
| Town | Output per kW | Net cost | Payback | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbonnais | 1,220 kWh | $10,600 | 8 yrs | $242,600 | 70% |
| Kankakee | 1,230 kWh | $10,000 | 7.9 yrs | $104,900 | 51% |
| Manteno | 1,220 kWh | $10,600 | 8 yrs | $241,700 | 75% |
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
How many Kankakee County homes have gone solar?
Illinois Shines had approved 878 home-sized solar systems (25 kW or smaller) in Kankakee County as of September 2026, #23 of 102 Illinois counties, including 250 in the past 12 months.
About 24% are owned by the homeowner, paid in cash or with a loan, compared with 44% statewide; the rest are leases or power purchase agreements. The typical system is 7.7 kW. See how Illinois towns compare and solar lease vs. buy.
Counts are applications approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, and some may not be installed yet. Source: Illinois Shines: Project application reports (ICC-approved Part I applications).
What do Kankakee County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- Bourbonnais: Bourbonnais runs a green electric aggregation program, and the village says recent supplier bids found no savings against ComEd's own rate. If you have net-metered solar, check how a supplier switch affects your credits. See Price to Compare.
- Kankakee: The City of Kankakee Building & Code Enforcement Department issues building permits; it can be reached at (815) 936-7390, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Manteno: In 2019 Manteno's village board amended the photovoltaic systems chapter of its zoning code (Ordinance 19-06) so panels can go at any roof pitch, and agreed a special use permit was no longer needed for basic roof-mounted systems. The fire department is notified of installations.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
How do I keep solar from raising my Kankakee County property taxes?
File form PTAX-330 with the Kankakee 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 Kankakee 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.
Kankakee County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves Kankakee County?
The towns we cover in Kankakee 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 Kankakee County?
For an unshaded home with a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 7.9 to 8 years in Kankakee County, after the utility rebate and Illinois Shines.
Will solar raise my property taxes in Kankakee 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.
Get a free solar quote for your Kankakee County home
Free, no-obligation quote from a trusted Illinois solar partner.