Solar Energy & Solar Power Resources

Solar Energy in Chicago, IL

Solar Energy in Chicago

Sorry, historical solar radition values for Chicago are currently unavailable, please check back later.

Solar Panels in Chicago

Solar panels in Chicago that will produce the maximum solar energy output. [More]

Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago

The total length of the day in Chicago, IL today (August 19, 2026) will be 13 hours and 45 minutes. [More]

Solar Power in Chicago, IL

Solar Energy Data in Chicago, IL

See the chart below to see how different types of solar panel installations compare in Chicago.

Historical solar power output data for Chicago is not currently available.

Solar Energy Analysis for Chicago, IL

Sorry, it is not possible to complete our solar energy analysis for Chicago at this time.

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Solar Energy Glossary

Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)

Global Horizontal Irradiance: The total amount of solar radiation that is received per unit area by a surface that is always positioned in a horizontal manner.

Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)

Direct Normal Irradiance: The total amount of solar radiation received per unit area by a surface that is always perpendicular to the sun rays that come in a straight line from the direction of the sun at its current position in the sky.

Average Tilt at Latitude (ATaL)

Average Tilt at Latitude: The total amount of solar radiation received per unit area by a surface that is tilted toward the equator at an angle equal to the current latitude. ATaL will often produce the optimum energy output.

Solar Radiation Levels in Chicago

Solar Radiation Data in Chicago, IL

See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Chicago.

Sorry, data is not currently available.

Solar Radiation Analysis for Chicago, IL

Sorry, it is not possible to complete our solar radiation analysis for Chicago at this time.

Historical solar radiation data for Chicago is not currently available.

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Solar Power Comparison: Chicago vs. the U.S.

Solar Power Levels in Chicago

Sorry, solar radiation data for Illinois is not currently available.

Solar Power: Chicago vs. the U.S.

Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Chicago solar radiation levels compare to average levels in a city with historcially high levels (NV) and a city with historically low levels (WA). ^[1]

Sorry, solar radiation data for Illinois is not currently available.

Solar Data & Statistics for Chicago

Sunrise / Sunset in Chicago

Sunrise/Sunset for August 19, 2026 ^[2]
- Sunrise: 6:01 am
- Sunset: 7:46 pm
- Length of Day: 13:45

Best Months for Solar in Chicago

Monthly data not currently available.

Solar Panel Installs in Chicago

We do not currently have data on solar panel installations in the city of Chicago, IL at this current time.

Solar Power Output in Chicago

The Power of Solar in Chicago, IL

Monthly AC solar system output averages for Chicago (il). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Chicago. ^[2]

AC output data is not currently available.

Solar Output Analysis for Chicago, IL

Sorry, it is not possible to complete our solar radiation analysis for Chicago at this time.

Historical solar radiation data for Chicago is not currently available.

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Cost of Utilities in Chicago

Chicago Electricity Costs

Sorry, Chicago residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.

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Solar Power Poll: Chicago

Vote now: Given all of the data and analysis provided for Chicago, is solar power a good choice for residents of this city?

Chicago Natural Gas Costs

Sorry, Illinois residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.

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Weather Forecast for Chicago, IL ^[5]

Wed Aug 19

79°F

Light Rain
Min: 65°F
Max: 79°F

Gentle Breeze: 11 mps NE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 70%
Cloud cover: 97%

Thu Aug 20

79°F

Sky Is Clear
Min: 62°F
Max: 80°F

Gentle Breeze: 9 mps NE
Precip.: n/a
Humidity: 36%
Cloud cover: 0%

Fri Aug 21

80°F

Scattered Clouds
Min: 60°F
Max: 83°F

Gentle Breeze: 9 mps WSW
Precip.: n/a
Humidity: 37%
Cloud cover: 27%

Sat Aug 22

80°F

Sky Is Clear
Min: 66°F
Max: 82°F

Gentle Breeze: 11 mps N
Precip.: n/a
Humidity: 42%
Cloud cover: 0%

Sun Aug 23

75°F

Sky Is Clear
Min: 66°F
Max: 75°F

Gentle Breeze: 11 mps NE
Precip.: n/a
Humidity: 49%
Cloud cover: 3%

Mon Aug 24

71°F

Scattered Clouds
Min: 65°F
Max: 71°F

Gentle Breeze: 11 mps ENE
Precip.: n/a
Humidity: 39%
Cloud cover: 46%

More about Chicago

About Chicago

The city of Chicago, IL in Cook County has an approximate population of 2,695,598. ^[6]

Chicago, IL Solar Energy

To learn more about solar energy and solar power Chicago, IL, or for more solar-related resources for Chicago, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.