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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 Onarga, Illinois
ComEd rates are up +90% in 5 years. Compare $0 down lease, cash, and Solar for All options for your home.
$125
Average Bill
(and climbing ~6% each year)
$109/mo
Est. Lease + Battery
(predictable for 25 yrs — set in your contract)
4
Sun Hours/Day
(every home is unique)
25+ yrs
Years of Pure Profit
(profit + inflation protection)
Why Onarga 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.
Onarga is a rural Iroquois County community with a population of 1,288. The local economy supports a workforce primarily engaged in traditional sectors, reflected by a low work-from-home rate and a median income of 57,188. Housing is characterized by high homeownership (86.5%) in single-family residences (91.2%). The median home value is 95,500, with many homes built around 1955, indicating an established housing stock.
Homeowners in Onarga 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.
Onarga experiences distinct seasonal solar production, with peak GHI in summer (6.39 kWh/m²/day in July) and lower levels in winter. The annual average GHI of 3.98 kWh/m²/day suggests moderate solar potential. Geographic suitability is generally favorable due to the rural setting, often providing ample space and minimal shading challenges from dense urban development. Moderate annual snowfall (20 inches) and 154 cloudy days per year are factors in system design.
Solar in Onarga by the Numbers
The local figures behind every estimate on this page: who owns homes in Onarga, how much sun those roofs get, and what a typical system here produces.
- Location
- Iroquois CountyZIP 60955
- Population
- 1,288U.S. Census ACS 2022
- Owner-occupied homes
- 38486.5% of 498 housing units
- Median home value
- $95,500Solar-added value is 100% property-tax exempt in IL
- Median household income
- $57,188Solar for All eligibility is set by county income limits
- Usable sun hours per year
- 1,4603% below the Illinois average (1,499)
- Sampled roof capacity
- 27 panels~13,841 kWh/yr DC (est.) on a representative Onarga roof, Google Solar API
- Typical system here
- 6 kW~7,692 kWh/yr est. at 4 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 Onarga
The prevalence of older, single-family homes (median age ~1955, 51% pre-1980) presents opportunities for rooftop solar, though roof condition may be a consideration. As a small, rural town with high homeownership, residents often have direct control over property improvements. The developing solar market suggests increasing local interest in renewable energy solutions.
Why Onarga 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 Sun Hours/Day
Onarga 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 Onarga
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 Onarga 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 Onarga
Even without the federal tax credit, Illinois homeowners have access to some of the best solar incentives in the country.
Illinois Shines RECs (ComEd)
~$7,499*
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 Onarga is ~6 kW (~$1,800 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
~$9,299+*
Solar Options in Onarga
Estimates based on average home in Onarga. Your actual costs and savings depend on your roof, shading, and usage. Get a free custom quote.
MOST POPULAR
25-Year Solar Lease + Battery
~$109/mo
$0 down — start saving from day one
Avg. ComEd bill$125/mo
Solar electricity
$64/mo~641 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$109/mo
Avg. ComEd bill$125/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
$7,201
True cost after all incentives
System size6 kW
Gross cost (~$2.75/W)$16,500
DG/Smart Inverter rebate-$1,800
Cost after DG rebate (~90 days)$14,700
IL Shines RECs (50% yr 1 + quarterly)-$7,499
True net cost$7,201
Years of pure profit25+ years
25-year est. ROI~$44,359
After ~4.9 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
$44,359
Without Solar
With Solar
Year 1Profit Starts Here
$1,500
$1,383
Year 5
$8,456
-$385
Year 10
$19,771
$7,363
Year 15
$34,914
$16,033
Year 20
$55,178
$26,033
Year 25
$82,297
$37,938
| Year | Without Solar | With Solar | Cumulative Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1Profit Starts | $1,500 | $1,383 | $117 |
| Year 2 | $3,090 | -$4,715 | $7,805 |
| Year 3 | $4,775 | -$3,293 | $8,069 |
| Year 4 | $6,562 | -$1,851 | $8,413 |
| Year 5 | $8,456 | -$385 | $8,840 |
| Year 6 | $10,463 | $1,106 | $9,357 |
| Year 7 | $12,591 | $2,625 | $9,966 |
| Year 8 | $14,846 | $4,172 | $10,674 |
| Year 9 | $17,237 | $5,751 | $11,486 |
| Year 10 | $19,771 | $7,363 | $12,408 |
| Year 11 | $22,457 | $9,013 | $13,445 |
| Year 12 | $25,305 | $10,701 | $14,604 |
| Year 13 | $28,323 | $12,432 | $15,891 |
| Year 14 | $31,523 | $14,208 | $17,315 |
| Year 15 | $34,914 | $16,033 | $18,881 |
| Year 16 | $38,509 | $17,911 | $20,598 |
| Year 17 | $42,319 | $19,846 | $22,474 |
| Year 18 | $46,358 | $21,841 | $24,517 |
| Year 19 | $50,640 | $23,902 | $26,738 |
| Year 20 | $55,178 | $26,033 | $29,146 |
| Year 21 | $59,989 | $28,239 | $31,750 |
| Year 22 | $65,088 | $30,527 | $34,562 |
| Year 23 | $70,494 | $32,901 | $37,592 |
| Year 24 | $76,223 | $35,369 | $40,854 |
| Year 25 | $82,297 | $37,938 | $44,359 |
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 Onarga
An average 6 kW system in Onarga costs approximately $16,500 before incentives. After the DG rebate and estimated Illinois Shines SREC (~$7,499 — starting June 2026, 50% paid as a lump sum, remaining 50% in quarterly payments over 6 years), the estimated net cost drops to around $7,201. Actual costs vary based on your home and system size.
Your savings depend on roof layout, usage, and whether you include battery backup. For Onarga, our model estimates a lease payment around $109/month against an average ComEd bill of $125/month. A custom quote compares lease, cash purchase, and Solar for All to find the best monthly and long-term outcome.
Installation is feasible year-round. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures for installers and can allow systems to be operational before the peak summer production months or winter heating season. While winter has lower sun exposure, installations during this period can still occur, preparing for higher output in subsequent seasons.
The typical timeline for a solar installation in Onarga involves several stages, including design, permitting, and physical installation. Given its small-town context, local permitting processes may be relatively straightforward, but overall project completion usually ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors.
With a median home age of 1955 and 51% of homes built before 1980, many roofs in Onarga may require an inspection to ensure structural integrity and adequate remaining lifespan before solar panel installation. Single-family homes, comprising over 91% of residences, generally offer suitable roof space.
Onarga experiences temperature extremes from cold winters to warm summers, impacting panel efficiency. While snow accumulation (20 inches annually) can temporarily reduce output, panels are designed to shed snow. The 154 cloudy days per year will lead to variable daily production, but systems are sized to account for these patterns.
RECs are measured per 1,000 kWh of solar production — more panels and more sunlight means a higher value. An average Onarga system (~6 kW) produces ~7,692 kWh/year = 7.7 RECs/year. Over the 15-year contract, the estimated customer value is ~$7,499 (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.
Adding solar panels can contribute to a home's overall value, particularly in a market with a median home value of 95,500. As Onarga has a high homeownership rate, improvements like solar installations are often seen as a beneficial long-term investment, enhancing property appeal within the community.
With a 30-year minimum panel lifespan and a ~4.9-year breakeven in Onarga, that's approximately 25+ 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 median home age of 1955, prioritize a thorough roof inspection and potential upgrades to ensure suitability for a long-term solar investment.
2
Consider the generous lot sizes common in rural Onarga for ground-mounted solar arrays if roof space is limited or shading is a significant concern.
3
Factor in the 20 inches of annual snowfall and design systems to allow for efficient snow shedding to maintain optimal production during winter months.
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 Onarga
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 Onarga
Local solar numbers depend on your utility, Illinois incentive rules, and state program eligibility.
Also Serving Near Onarga
We provide solar consulting to homeowners throughout Illinois
Go Solar With $0 Down
See if your Onarga 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.