Going Solar

solarRolling Meadows is working to become a SolSmart designated community by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy. SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped hundreds of local governments streamline the adoption of solar for residents and businesses Learn more about the program here.

Benefits of Going Solar

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It creates local jobs, supports local solar companies in Illinois, stabilizes energy costs, improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system and can improve environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I install solar?

Solar energy systems are permitted in all zoning districts within the City. This includes residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional areas. The City supports the use of solar as a clean and renewable energy source and allows installations on primary buildings, accessory structures, and as ground-mounted systems, provided all applicable zoning, building, and safety requirements are met.

Are there bulk or setback limits for solar installations?

Yes. Bulk and setback requirements depend on how and where the system is installed:

  • Accessory structures (such as detached garages or sheds) must comply with the same bulk and setback standards that apply to accessory structures in the zoning district.

  • Solar installations on a primary structure may not project more than five (5) feet from the building wall and must be located at least three (3) feet from the property line.

These standards help ensure compatibility with neighboring properties while allowing flexibility for effective solar placement.

Is there a limit on the size or type of solar system?

No. The City does not impose a maximum size limit on solar energy systems. All system sizes and types are supported, including photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, and hybrid systems, as long as they comply with applicable building codes, electrical codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. System design and capacity are generally determined by site conditions and code compliance rather than zoning restrictions.

Are there height limits for solar systems?

Yes. Height limits vary based on roof type, building type, and installation method:

  • Sloped roofs (primary structures):

    • Residential: may extend up to 1 foot above the roof surface

    • Non-residential: may extend up to 15 inches above the roof surface

  • Flat roofs (primary structures):

    • Residential: up to 4 feet

    • Non-residential: up to 8 feet

  • Accessory structures:

    • Sloped roof: up to 4 feet above the roof

    • Flat roof: up to 8 feet above the roof

  • Ground-mounted solar systems:

    • Maximum height of 8 feet above grade

These limits are intended to balance solar access with visual compatibility and structural safety.

Do ground-mounted solar systems count toward lot coverage or permeable surface requirements?

No. Ground-mounted solar energy systems do not count toward lot coverage or impermeable surface calculations, provided that the ground beneath the system remains permeable. Installations are expected to maintain natural infiltration and stormwater function under and around the panels.

The City recommends maintaining or establishing native vegetation beneath ground-mounted solar systems, such as native Northwest Illinois grass and wildflower mixes. Native plantings can improve stormwater absorption, reduce erosion, support pollinators, and minimize long-term maintenance needs, while remaining compatible with solar operations.

Become a Community Solar Subscriber and Save!

The City has endorsed MC2 Energy Services LLC to operate the Community Solar Program. You can read more about the program and it’s benefits, as well as join the waiting list here.

Residential customers in Illinois within the Ameren and ComEd electric utility service areas can participate as subscribers through mc² in community solar projects. Join the Reservation List to receive more information on the opportunity to become a community solar subscriber.

Community Solar offers a great opportunity to lower your energy costs, receiving a minimum of 10% savings of the community solar credits. Enrollments are offered at a first come first served basis based off project availability.

Great opportunity to lower your energy costs. Benefits include:

  • No solar rooftop panels are required on your residence
  • Save a minimum of 10% of the community solar credits
  • No termination fees
  • Support renewable energy resources

Permitting and Inspection

Rolling Meadows Community Development is committed to exceptional customer services as it relates to solar processes. To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community we are committed to the following:

  • Providing clear guidelines about the solar permitting and inspection process in our checklist and application LINK
  • Processing small rooftop solar PV permits applications within three business days, and no more than ten business days for larger or more complex projects
  • Offering inspection appointment times for solar projects (instead of appointment windows).
  • Providing clear inspection standards to ensure that your project is finalized safely and quickly.

The City’s permit fees are designed to recover costs associated with review and inspections, and are not revenue generating.

Solar Maps and Potential

Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote.

  • Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
  • Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
  • Group purchase programs (sometimes referred to as “solar coops” or “solarize campaigns” are a great way to reduce costs for homeowners. You can find opportunities to participate in a group purchase program through Solar United Neighbors.
  • Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
  • Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors. 

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans, upfront payments, or a power purchase agreement (PPA).

  • Energy Sage has developed a comprehensive resource on solar financing to help homeowners understand the different solar financing options.
  • A great place for residents to start identifying the incentives for which they are eligible is this calculator from Rewiring America.
  • Explore incentives and rebates from Commonwealth Edison for your residential or commercial solar installation here.

  • State and local incentives:

    • Across the country, many states have implemented tax exemptions for solar projects. 25 states offer sales tax exemptions, and 36 states have enabling legislation to allow property tax exemptions for solar energy.

    • Information about state incentives can be found in this database maintained by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center.

Consumer Protections, Solar Rights, and Procedures

More Useful Solar Information

Explore the Illinois Solar For All Program website to learn about your eligibility for the programs and incentives.