Solar panels are cheaper than you may think, especially this year.
If you think solar panels for your house will cost $20,000 or $30,000, you are in for a big, good surprise. With the solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that you can receive from the Illinois Shines Program, plus the 30% federal tax credit that expires on Dec. 31 of this year, plus a group discount when you participate in Kane County’s Switch Together solar group buy program, the cost of that $20,000 system can be brought down to half that cost, or less.
For example, for my solar panels the cost came down from $17,500 to about $6,000. After about five years the panels have paid for themselves, and I am now getting all that energy, sometimes as much as $100 per month, for free.
Switch Together, our solar group buy program, has already selected qualified installers. They have been pre-vetted for you by our highly respected nonprofit partners, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).
As soon as you register for the program you will receive your personal recommendation based on your previous electric bills, how much energy you use and other details. You will know your costs, your savings and how much electricity your system will produce. Then you decide if the price is right for you.
The 30% federal tax credit is going to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, therefore, it is urgent that you register as soon as possible. The system must be installed by Dec. 31. Your installer will let you know if that is still possible. So don’t delay. Even without the 30% federal tax credit, the Switch Together program will get you the best deal possible.
To register and find out all about the program, please go to SwitchTogether.com/Solar/KaneCounty, or call Sarra Hinshaw, Kane County Sustainability Manager, at 630-208-8665. Deadline to register is Sept. 3, 2025.
One more thing. When you save money on your electric bills with your brand-new solar panels, you also help to reduce greenhouse gases that heat up the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. You are helping to make the Earth a better place for future generations, a debt we owe to our children and grandchildren.
Go solar!
Mavis Bates, Kane County Board member, District 4
Chair, Energy and Environmental Committee
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