Rooftop solar growth in Illinois over the past decade has been robust and stands out compared to many other states, though it still trails the top sunniest states like California, Texas, and Florida.
Illinois Rooftop Solar Growth Highlights
- Illinois ranks ninth nationally for growth in small-scale solar power generation over the last decade, reflecting strong expansion in rooftop solar installations.
- Residential rooftop solar in Illinois grew by approximately 2252% from 2017 through 2022, a remarkable surge indicating rapid adoption among homeowners.
- Small-scale commercial solar also saw an impressive increase of around 1871% during the same period.
- Total small-scale solar in Illinois generated about 1,247 GWh of electricity in 2022, enough to power a significant number of homes.
- By 2024, Illinois had installed enough solar capacity to power 930,000 homes, with 2.5 gigawatts of new solar capacity added in that year alone, nearly doubling its total solar capacity.
Comparison to Other States
- Illinois’ solar growth in 2024 was only surpassed by the sun-rich states of Texas, California, and Florida, placing Illinois among the top states nationally for solar expansion.
- Nationwide in 2024, solar power capacity increased by 21%, with solar accounting for 66% of all new electricity generating capacity added to the U.S. grid, indicating Illinois’ growth is part of a larger national trend.
- While Illinois ranks 9th in rooftop solar growth nationally, it is currently ranked 15th in overall solar energy, reflecting strong but not leading market penetration compared to the sunniest states.
Factors Driving Illinois’ Growth
- The rapid increase in rooftop solar has been supported by Illinois’ ambitious climate laws passed in 2016 and 2021, which have fostered favorable conditions for solar industry development and consumer adoption.
- Policies like solar net-metering provide financial incentives by crediting homeowners for excess electricity fed back into the grid, helping stimulate rooftop solar installations.
Summary
| Aspect | Illinois | Top Solar States (e.g., CA, TX, FL) |
|---|---|---|
| National Growth Ranking | 9th in small-scale solar growth | Top 3 |
| Residential Rooftop Solar Growth | 2252% increase (2017-2022) | Generally higher due to more solar resources |
| 2024 Installed Capacity | 2.5 GW added, powering 930,000 homes | Higher absolute installations and capacity |
| Solar Policies | Ambitious climate laws, net-metering | Strong solar policies with longer histories |
Illinois has made significant strides in rooftop solar growth over the past decade, with one of the fastest growth rates in the nation, fueled by supportive policies and increasing consumer interest. While it is not yet the top solar state, its progress places it among the national leaders, particularly notable given its less sunny climate compared to leading states.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-has-rooftop-solar-growth-in-illinois-compared-to-other-states-over-the-past-decade/
