Plug-in solar
Bill stalled until 2027 Not yet. Illinois's 2026 bill (SB 3104 / HB 4371) didn't pass; supporters expect to try again in the 2027 session. The full rules for Illinois.
A typical 800 W kit on a south-facing balcony railing would make about 753 kWh a year here, worth roughly $124 at Illinois’s current price if you use 85% of it at home.
What everyday things cost in Illinois
| Space heater on high, one hour | $0.29 | Heater cost calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Charging an EV at home, per 100 miles | $6.25 | EV charging calculator |
| 100 W of always-on load, per year | $169 | Standby calculator |
| Swapping 15 old bulbs for LEDs, per year | $162 | LED calculator |
Home energy rebates
Illinois wasn’t listed as taking applications for the federal Home Energy Rebate programs (HOMES or HEAR) in an Oct 12, 2026 review of state program pages. Programs open and close as money runs out, so check your state energy office. The federal tax credits for efficiency upgrades and home solar ended after 2025. What’s left in 2026.
Gas lawn equipment
Places in Illinois with rules on gas leaf blowers: Evanston; Oak Park; River Forest; Northbrook, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff. All local bans.
Clotheslines
Illinois’s solar-access law likely protects clotheslines from HOA bans, though the law doesn’t name them. Right-to-dry laws.