Solar Roof Installation in Homes in Illinois

Solar Roof Shingles

• Solar shingles come under the category of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). BIPV uses thin film solar cell technology "integrated" into the building materials, such as shingles. The solar system goes in place during construction or remodeling. Thin film refers to the technological procedures that create solar cells with diameters slightly larger than a human hair.

  Shingles provide homeowners an aesthetically pleasing solar system installation that is hardly noticeable. Many solar roof shingles come in a dark purple or blue. The installation does not require any special tools or knowledge of solar systems since the shingles install in the same manner as regular roofing. An electrician wires the shingles to the home's electric service panel once the roofers' complete the installation.

Solar Roof Tiles

• Illinois property owners with tile roofing systems on their homes can also apply a BIPV system to help lower their electric bills without the concern of taking away from the home's appearance. Many roofing tiles system have an interlocking system and appear similar to the conventional clay tiles found on Southwestern style homes. Some manufacturers offer a system for tracking energy production or determining whether a tile is not functioning properly.

Illinois Solar Incentives

• The Illinois House and Senate have passed legislation to encourage the installation of residential and commercial renewable energy projects, including solar roof installations. For example, the Renewable Energy Trust Fund provides financial support for RE projects until Dec. 12, 2015. The state's "net metering" rules obligate utility companies to give customers credit for any excess energy generated by solar or other qualified RE systems. Chicago offers its homeowners a streamlined permit process for the installation of "green roofs" and environmentally friendly technologies. Applicants accepted into the program may also receive a partial waiver of permit fees.

Federal Incentives

• The federal government has the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which gives homeowners a personal tax credit for the installation of solar roofs and other renewable energy systems. The regulations allow property owners to receive a credit of 30 percent, or as much as $2,000 for qualified project expenditures. The applicant must use the property as a residence. The eligible expenses include preparation, equipment and labor. It also includes the parts and labor needed to connect the roofing system to the home's main electrical panel.