Solar panels in McHenry County, IL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 5 McHenry 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 McHenry County, IL?
For many homes, yes. With a $150 monthly bill, we estimate a system costs about $10,900 after the ComEd rebate and Illinois Shines in McHenry County, paying for itself in about 8.5 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
How does solar compare across McHenry County towns?
| Town | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|
| Algonquin | $351,000 | 88% |
| Crystal Lake | $287,400 | 78% |
| Huntley | $334,300 | 89% |
| Lake in the Hills | $321,900 | 84% |
| McHenry | $244,900 | 73% |
Panels across McHenry County produce about 1,190 kWh per kW a year, so the solar estimate is the same for every town: about $10,900 after incentives and payback in about 8.5 years. What differs is the housing, below.
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 McHenry County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- Algonquin: Algonquin's solar permit checklist requires construction plans, a copy of the installer's electrical license, and a structural review by a licensed engineer or architect for rooftop units.
- Crystal Lake: Crystal Lake accepts solar permit applications through its online ez APP portal or on a paper building permit application.
- Huntley: Huntley's residential permits need an application, contractor quote, plans, equipment cut sheets, a plat of survey and, where applicable, an HOA approval letter, and work can't start until the permit is approved. Contact Development Services at (847) 515-5252.
- Lake in the Hills: Lake in the Hills was the first McHenry County community to earn a SolSmart designation, at the Gold level.
- McHenry: McHenry's municipal code has a Solar Energy chapter (Title 10, Chapter 12) that covers permit requirements, and the city accepts building permit applications online or in person at the Municipal Center.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
How do I keep solar from raising my McHenry County property taxes?
File form PTAX-330 with the McHenry 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 McHenry 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.
McHenry County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves McHenry County?
The towns we cover in McHenry 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 McHenry County?
For an unshaded home with a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 8.5 years in McHenry County, after the utility rebate and Illinois Shines.
Will solar raise my property taxes in McHenry 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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