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Electricity Rates Keep Rising
ComEd rates are up +90% in 5 years and projected to keep climbing. A solar lease gives you a rate as low as $0.10/kWh, predictable for 25 years.
$0 Down Solar Available — Compare Your Options
$0 Down Solar in Oakwood Hills, Illinois
ComEd rates are up +90% in 5 years. Compare $0 down lease, cash, and Solar for All options for your home.
$171
Average Bill
(and climbing ~6% each year)
$129/mo
Est. Lease + Battery
(predictable for 25 yrs — set in your contract)
4.2
Sun Hours/Day
(every home is unique)
24+ yrs
Years of Pure Profit
(profit + inflation protection)
Why Oakwood Hills Homeowners Are Switching to Solar Leases
With $0 down, no maintenance costs, and immediate savings on your ComEd bill, a solar lease is the easiest way to cut your electricity costs. Our trusted installer partners offer 25-year lease terms with battery storage included — all while ComEd rates keep climbing.
$0 Down
No upfront cost to compare lease options for your home.
Predictable Solar Payment
Compare a predictable solar payment against your current and projected ComEd bill.
Battery Included
Keep the lights on during outages with included battery storage.
No Maintenance
Your installer handles all repairs and monitoring for the life of the lease.
Prefer to own your system? We also offer cash purchase and financing options. Contact us to compare all options.
Oakwood Hills is an affluent community characterized by a high median income and a strong homeownership rate of 88%. The housing market primarily consists of single-family homes (96%), many built around 1965, indicating an established residential area. A significant portion of residents are college-educated, with a modest 11.6% working from home, suggesting a largely commuter-oriented workforce supporting the local economy.
Homeowners in Oakwood Hills are paying more for electricity than ever. ComEd rates have surged and are projected to keep climbing. A $0 down solar lease can trade utility volatility for a predictable solar payment, while cash purchase and financing options are available for homeowners who prefer ownership.
Oakwood Hills experiences strong summer solar resource, with peak GHI in June-August, contrasting with lower winter production. The annual average GHI is 3.85 kWh/m²/day, with 4.2 peak sun hours. However, 161 cloudy days per year and 30.8 inches of annual snowfall can influence output, particularly during colder months. The rural/small town setting generally offers favorable conditions for panel placement.
Solar in Oakwood Hills by the Numbers
The local figures behind every estimate on this page: who owns homes in Oakwood Hills, how much sun those roofs get, and what a typical system here produces.
- Location
- McHenry CountyZIP 60013
- Population
- 2,475U.S. Census ACS 2022
- Owner-occupied homes
- 80188.0% of 920 housing units
- Median home value
- $249,700Solar-added value is 100% property-tax exempt in IL
- Median household income
- $107,857Solar for All eligibility is set by county income limits
- Usable sun hours per year
- 1,5362% above the Illinois average (1,499)
- Sampled roof capacity
- 59 panels~26,449 kWh/yr DC (est.) on a representative Oakwood Hills roof, Google Solar API
- Typical system here
- 9 kW~10,089 kWh/yr est. at 4.2 peak sun hours/day
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022), Google Solar API building insights, Google Geocoding. Production and savings figures are estimates.
What Makes Solar Different in Oakwood Hills
With 88% homeownership and 96% single-family homes, many predating 1980, the housing stock is well-suited for rooftop solar installations. The community's rural/small-town character often provides larger lots, which can minimize shading from adjacent structures. These characteristics align with a population that values property improvements.
Why Oakwood Hills Homeowners Are Going Solar
$
Strong IL Incentives
Illinois Shines RECs, $300/kW DG rebate, and 100% property tax exemption offset the expired federal ITC.
☼
4.2 Sun Hours/Day
Oakwood Hills gets enough sun to power most homes. Modern panels work great even on cloudy days.
☗
Home Value Boost
Solar adds value to your home — and Illinois exempts 100% of that value from property taxes.
★
Energy Independence
Stop being at the mercy of utility rate hikes. Own your power and control your energy costs.
ComEd Electricity Rates in Oakwood Hills
Current ComEd Rate
17.07¢
per kWh
ComEd residential electricity rates have increased +90% over the past 5 years, from 9¢/kWh to 17.07¢/kWh. That's nearly double what Oakwood Hills homeowners were paying just a few years ago.
Rate Trend Alert
Rates are projected to reach 19¢/kWh next year. PJM 2027-28 auction: $333.44/MW-day (new record, hit FERC price cap, still left 6,623 MW reliability shortfall). Northern IL faces capacity shortfalls by 2029.
Fix Your Rate With Solar
A solar lease gives you a rate as low as 10¢/kWh, predictable for 25 years — the full schedule is set in your contract. After that, keep the system for a low buyout and pay $0/mo. Meanwhile, ComEd rates keep climbing.
Solar Incentives Available in Oakwood Hills
Even without the federal tax credit, Illinois homeowners have access to some of the best solar incentives in the country.
Illinois Shines RECs (ComEd)
~$9,836*
50% paid in the first year after installation, remaining 50% in quarterly payments over 6 years. REC values went up for the new program year. Cash/finance buyers receive directly; lease customers benefit through lower payments.
Eligibility: Residential systems under 25 kW in ComEd territory
DG Rebate (Solar)
$300/kW
$300 per kW rebate from your utility. Average system in Oakwood Hills is ~9 kW (~$2,700 est.).
Eligibility: All IL residential solar with Ameren/ComEd
100% Property Tax Exemption
100%
Your home value increases but property taxes stay the same. Permanent exemption, no sunset date.
Eligibility: All IL residential solar installations
Solar for All (ILSFA)
No Solar Payments
Official state program for income-eligible households. No solar payments, no upfront costs, no credit check. Guaranteed savings on your electricity bill. Own your system after 6 years.
Eligibility: Household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
Net Metering Credits
~6-8¢/kWh
Earn credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. Credits never expire.
Eligibility: All new solar installations
Total Estimated Incentive Value
~$12,536+*
Solar Options in Oakwood Hills
Estimates based on average home in Oakwood Hills. Your actual costs and savings depend on your roof, shading, and usage. Get a free custom quote.
MOST POPULAR
25-Year Solar Lease + Battery
~$129/mo
$0 down — start saving from day one
Avg. ComEd bill$171/mo
Solar electricity
$84/mo~841 kWh/mo × $0.10/kWh (est.)
⏻ Battery Backup
$45/moIncluded on all 25-year leases
- ✓ Backup power during outages
- ✓ Use more of your solar in real-time
- ✓ Less energy sent to the utility
Est. solar + battery$129/mo
Avg. ComEd bill$171/mo
Predictable rate for25 years — set in your contract
Installer claims RECs + business ITC and carries the 15-year production contract liability — not you. Those savings are passed through as lower lease payments. Maintenance, monitoring, and repairs included for the full lease term. After 25 years, keep the system for a low fair-market buyout — then $0/mo for the remaining life of the panels.
Get Your $0 Down QuoteCash / Finance Purchase
$12,214
True cost after all incentives
System size9 kW
Gross cost (~$2.75/W)$24,750
DG/Smart Inverter rebate-$2,700
Cost after DG rebate (~90 days)$22,050
IL Shines RECs (50% yr 1 + quarterly)-$9,836
True net cost$12,214
Years of pure profit24+ years
25-year est. ROI~$52,965
After ~6.1 years breakeven, it's pure profit and inflation protection for the remaining 20+ years. Panels last 30+ years.
50% of your REC value is paid in the first year, remaining 50% quarterly over 6 years. You carry the 15-year production contract but keep full control and the lowest overall cost. Higher long-term ROI — you own the system and all production.
Get Cash/Finance QuoteAll figures are estimates based on area averages. Your actual savings will be calculated during a free consultation based on your specific home, roof, and energy usage.
Your Solar Savings Over Time
Estimated 25-Year Total Savings
$52,965
Without Solar
With Solar
Year 1
$2,052
$2,115
Year 2Profit Starts Here
$4,227
-$5,577
Year 5
$11,567
$1,051
Year 10
$27,047
$12,918
Year 15
$47,762
$26,192
Year 20
$75,484
$41,476
Year 25
$112,582
$59,617
| Year | Without Solar | With Solar | Cumulative Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $2,052 | $2,115 | -$63 |
| Year 2Profit Starts | $4,227 | -$5,577 | $9,804 |
| Year 3 | $6,533 | -$3,402 | $9,935 |
| Year 4 | $8,977 | -$1,193 | $10,170 |
| Year 5 | $11,567 | $1,051 | $10,516 |
| Year 6 | $14,313 | $3,334 | $10,979 |
| Year 7 | $17,224 | $5,659 | $11,565 |
| Year 8 | $20,310 | $8,029 | $12,280 |
| Year 9 | $23,580 | $10,447 | $13,133 |
| Year 10 | $27,047 | $12,918 | $14,129 |
| Year 11 | $30,722 | $15,443 | $15,279 |
| Year 12 | $34,617 | $18,029 | $16,588 |
| Year 13 | $38,746 | $20,679 | $18,067 |
| Year 14 | $43,123 | $23,398 | $19,725 |
| Year 15 | $47,762 | $26,192 | $21,571 |
| Year 16 | $52,680 | $29,065 | $23,615 |
| Year 17 | $57,893 | $32,023 | $25,870 |
| Year 18 | $63,418 | $35,074 | $28,345 |
| Year 19 | $69,276 | $38,222 | $31,053 |
| Year 20 | $75,484 | $41,476 | $34,008 |
| Year 21 | $82,065 | $44,844 | $37,221 |
| Year 22 | $89,041 | $48,333 | $40,708 |
| Year 23 | $96,435 | $51,951 | $44,484 |
| Year 24 | $104,274 | $55,710 | $48,564 |
| Year 25 | $112,582 | $59,617 | $52,965 |
How Going Solar Works
1
Free Consultation
We analyze your ComEd bill, roof, and energy usage to design the optimal system for your home.
2
Custom Proposal
You get a detailed proposal with estimated costs, savings, incentives, and financing options — no surprises.
3
Permitting & Design
We handle all permits, utility paperwork, and ComEd interconnection — you don't lift a finger.
4
Professional Installation
Our certified installers complete the installation in 1-2 days. Quality equipment with 25-year warranties.
5
System Activation
Your system goes live, monitoring starts, and your actual bill can be compared against the proposal projections.
Real Installations Across Illinois
Not stock photos. These are homes we helped go solar.
“41 panels, $10/month electric bills. Ryan stayed on top of the project from start to finish.”
Bruce BrooksShiloh, IL
“$10/month Ameren bills since June 2023. Outstanding knowledge and responsiveness.”
Rod HinrichsFreeburg, IL
“Ryan is knowledgeable, caring, and a really good listener. I highly recommend discussing solar with him.”
LH
Linda HaycraftShiloh, IL
Solar FAQ for Oakwood Hills
An average 9 kW system in Oakwood Hills costs approximately $24,750 before incentives. After the DG rebate and estimated Illinois Shines SREC (~$9,836 — starting June 2026, 50% paid as a lump sum, remaining 50% in quarterly payments over 6 years), the estimated net cost drops to around $12,214. Actual costs vary based on your home and system size.
Your savings depend on roof layout, usage, and whether you include battery backup. For Oakwood Hills, our model estimates a lease payment around $129/month against an average ComEd bill of $171/month. A custom quote compares lease, cash purchase, and Solar for All to find the best monthly and long-term outcome.
While installations can occur year-round, spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for work crews. Avoiding periods of heavy snowfall, typically December through February, can help prevent project delays. Summer provides the highest solar resource, making it an optimal period for energy generation.
Given the community's small-town nature and high rate of homeownership, local permitting processes are typically straightforward. The overall timeline, from initial assessment to system activation, generally aligns with regional averages, allowing for efficient project completion.
With a median home age of approximately 1965 and 70.7% of homes built before 1980, a thorough roof inspection is essential. Ensuring the roof is structurally sound and has adequate remaining lifespan is a key prerequisite for a long-term solar installation.
Oakwood Hills experiences 30.8 inches of annual snowfall and 161 cloudy days per year, which can reduce solar production during winter and overcast periods. Extreme temperatures, with average lows in the 20s during winter, may affect maintenance but generally do not impede panel function.
RECs are measured per 1,000 kWh of solar production — more panels and more sunlight means a higher value. An average Oakwood Hills system (~9 kW) produces ~10,089 kWh/year = 10.1 RECs/year. Over the 15-year contract, the estimated customer value is ~$9,836 (85% of gross). Starting June 2026, 50% is paid as a lump sum after installation, with the remaining 50% in quarterly payments over 6 years. Cash/finance buyers receive this directly. Lease customers benefit through lower payments. See our REC Calculator for a custom estimate.
In a community with a median home value of 249,700 and a high homeownership rate, solar installations can be viewed as a desirable home improvement. Properties with modern energy features often integrate well into the local real estate market, aligning with homeowner investments.
With a 30-year minimum panel lifespan and a ~6.1-year breakeven in Oakwood Hills, that's approximately 24+ years of pure profit and inflation protection. After breakeven, your electricity cost drops to near-zero while utility rates keep climbing.
Pro Tips
1
Given the rural/small-town environment, assess potential shading from mature trees on your property and neighboring lots to optimize panel placement for maximum sun exposure.
2
With 70.7% of homes built before 1980, ensure a comprehensive roof inspection is conducted to confirm structural integrity and address any necessary repairs prior to solar installation.
3
Consider the impact of 30.8 inches of annual snowfall. Plan for potential snow accumulation on panels and its effect on winter energy production.
See Solar on YOUR Home
Upload a photo of your house and our AI will show you what solar panels would look like — instantly.
Ready to talk? Call Ryan directly:
(618) 217-2001More Solar Resources for Oakwood Hills
Savings Calculator
Detailed year-by-year savings breakdown
Incentive Guide
All available solar incentives
Electricity Rates
ComEd rate history & projections
From the Blog
ComEd Bills Spiking Again — June 2026Record capacity costs hitting ComEd customers
Solar Incentives 2026 — Complete GuideEvery rebate, credit & program still available
Solar Battery Backup in IllinoisWhat it powers and whether it's worth it
Data Centers Drove 70% of Rate SpikeHow Big Tech is raising your electric bill
Statewide Solar Guides That Apply in Oakwood Hills
Local solar numbers depend on your utility, Illinois incentive rules, and state program eligibility.
Also Serving Near Oakwood Hills
We provide solar consulting to homeowners throughout Illinois
Go Solar With $0 Down
See if your Oakwood Hills home qualifies for a $0 down solar lease. No obligation, no pressure — just real numbers for your situation.
✓ Lease, cash, or Solar for All — we find the best option for your home
ComEd rates are projected to rise again. Waiting means more months exposed to utility increases.