Cary city reference
Solar in Cary, checked against utility math.
A city-level guide for McHenry County homeowners comparing quotes, system size, incentive timing, and Commonwealth Edison billing assumptions.
- Reference ZIP
- 60013
- Utility
- ComEd
- Focus
- Illinois Shines + utility billing
Local numbers
The Cary baseline
A 7 kW south-facing system in Cary produces about 9,250 kWh/year per NREL PVWatts. Pre-incentive install cost runs $19,600 to $23,800, with cash payback around 7 to 8 years before financing markup.
9,250 kWh/year
Annual production
PVWatts v8, 7 kW south-facing.
~$9,100
Net cash cost
After incentives, before financing.
7 to 8 years
Cash payback
No dealer-fee markup.
12 to 15 years
Financed payback
With typical dealer fees.
Diagnostic path
Check the Cary quote from four angles.
Start with fit, then pressure-test price, incentives, and installer risk before a homeowner signs.
- 01 Is it worth it? → Diagnostic: how to know if your Cary home is a good fit for solar, and what to verify before signing. Real production numbers, current rates, no inflated assumptions.
- 02 Typical cost and payback → Sized for a Cary median home, with Commonwealth Edison-adjusted production from NREL PVWatts and current Smart Solar Billing (ComEd) / Rider NMOS (Ameren) rates.
- 03 Incentives → Illinois Shines values plus Commonwealth Edison programs. Federal credit context after the December 2025 expiration.
- 04 How to pick an installer → Educational buyer's guide for Cary: red flags, what to verify, questions to ask before signing.
Utility context
The bill rules are local.
Most of Cary is served by Commonwealth Edison. Net metering, rate trajectory, and program timing differ by utility; the Illinois state hub covers the cross-utility picture.