Solar System Sizing Tool — Chicago, IL
Use our interactive tool to determine the right solar system size for your home in Chicago. Adjust your monthly electricity bill and home size to see a personalized recommendation based on local solar conditions.
Size Your Solar System
$
Local rate: 18¢/kWh
ft
Peak sun hours: 4h/day
6.8
System Size (kW)
17
Panels Needed
306
Roof Space (sq ft)
$19,260
Est. Cost
9,867
Annual kWh
100%
Energy Offset
Energy Offset100% of your usage covered by solar
0%50%100%
How We Calculate Your System Size
Your recommended solar system size is based on several factors specific to Chicago, IL:
- Electricity usage: Your monthly bill is converted to annual kWh consumption using the local rate of 18¢/kWh.
- Solar irradiance: Chicago receives an average of 4 peak sun hours per day, which determines how much energy each panel produces.
- Panel specifications: We use 400W panels, each requiring approximately 18 sq ft of roof space, which is standard for modern residential installations.
- Roof space: The total roof area needed depends on the number of panels. The average home in Chicago is 1,700 sq ft.
Solar at a Glance: Chicago, IL
18¢
Avg Rate / kWh
4h
Peak Sun Hours / Day
6.8 kW
Avg Recommended Size
17
Avg Panels Needed
$19,260
Est. Cost (before incentives)
ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)
Utility Provider
Other Cities in Illinois
Related Resources
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