What are the best areas for solar in Illinois?

The top-rated areas for solar in Illinois are ZIP 60045 (score: 100/100), ZIP 60410 (score: 100/100), ZIP 60661 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing competition.

What makes a good location for solar?

A strong location for solar combines high walkability (foot traffic), solid median income (spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does Illinois compare to other states for solar?

Illinois averages 100/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Solar Panel Costs in Illinois

← Illinois Overview

Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and solar installers competition.

The top markets here average $149,575 in household income. ZIP 60045 leads at 100, $225,551 median income, zero existing solar installers.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income
#1	ZIP 60045 Pop. 21 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$225,551
#2	ZIP 60410 Pop. 14 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$120,278
#3	ZIP 60661 Pop. 12 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$138,831
#4	ZIP 60601 Pop. 16 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$127,323
#5	ZIP 62684 Pop. 5.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$142,155
#6	ZIP 60136 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$124,338
#7	ZIP 60654 Pop. 24 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$144,831
#8	ZIP 60605 Pop. 34 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$118,403
#9	ZIP 60521 Pop. 18 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$244,318
#10	ZIP 60422 Pop. 9.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$134,728
#11	ZIP 60026 Pop. 14 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$157,712
#12	ZIP 60442 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$128,307
#13	ZIP 60022 Pop. 8.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$250,001
#14	ZIP 60552 Pop. 4.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,375
#15	ZIP 60611 Pop. 36 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$124,621
#16	ZIP 60305 Pop. 11 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$148,711
#17	ZIP 60304 Pop. 17 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$132,841
#18	ZIP 62711 Pop. 18 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$123,507
#19	ZIP 61705 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$120,470
#20	ZIP 60203 Pop. 4.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$162,208

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across Illinois, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $149,575 in household income. The common thread: solar demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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