Solar panels in Tazewell County, IL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 4 Tazewell County towns served by Ameren, 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 Tazewell County, IL?
For many homes, yes. With a $150 monthly bill, we estimate a system costs about $11,400 after the Ameren rebate and Illinois Shines in Tazewell County, paying for itself in about 9 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof.
How does solar compare across Tazewell County towns?
| Town | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|
| East Peoria | $163,500 | 76% |
| Morton | $239,400 | 80% |
| Pekin | $120,700 | 68% |
| Washington | $221,900 | 80% |
Panels across Tazewell County produce about 1,240 kWh per kW a year, so the solar estimate is the same for every town: about $11,400 after incentives and payback in about 9 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 Tazewell County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- East Peoria: East Peoria has handled ground-mounted solar at homes as a special use, approved through the Zoning Board of Appeals and the City Council.
- Morton: Morton requires a solar panel permit ($150) and an electrical permit ($100) for roof- or ground-mounted solar.
- Pekin: Pekin requires a permit for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels, issued through its Building Inspections division.
- Washington: The City of Washington publishes separate permit applications for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar, and a licensed electrician must do the installation.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
How do I keep solar from raising my Tazewell County property taxes?
File form PTAX-330 with the Tazewell 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 Ameren in Tazewell County?
Ameren 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 Ameren solar guide.
Choosing a company? See how to choose a solar installer in Illinois and what a solar quote should include.
Tazewell County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves Tazewell County?
The towns we cover in Tazewell County are served by Ameren, 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 Tazewell County?
For an unshaded home with a $150 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 9 years in Tazewell County, after the utility rebate and Illinois Shines.
Will solar raise my property taxes in Tazewell 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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