The Bright Side of Commercial Solar: Big Financial Wins for Illinois Businesses
For businesses in Illinois, investing in solar energy is becoming an increasingly practical and financially rewarding decision. With a combination of state and federal incentives, rebates from Ameren, and long-term energy savings, solar power offers a way to reduce costs while promoting sustainability. And here at Morton Solar, we’re ready to guide you through every step of the journey, from design to installation and beyond.
Understanding the Financial Incentives
Illinois offers several programs designed to make commercial solar more accessible. Ameren’s solar rebate program, for example, helps offset installation costs, while the Illinois Shines program provides additional financial support for businesses making the transition. On a federal level, the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces the upfront cost of solar projects.
Additionally, businesses may qualify for tax benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act, including:
30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Available for most commercial solar and battery projects.
+10% Energy Community Bonus – For projects located in former coal, oil, or gas areas.
+10% Low-Income Bonus – For projects serving low-income communities.
MACRS Accelerated Depreciation – Allows businesses to depreciate 85% of their solar investment within the first five years.
Bonus Depreciation (up to 60%) – Certain systems may qualify for additional accelerated depreciation benefits.
For many businesses, these incentives can cover 50–70% of a project's cost through tax credits and depreciation alone. However, some of these benefits may change in the future, so companies considering solar should stay informed about potential policy shifts.
*Please note that IRA Tax Credits may not last forever. While these benefits are game-changing, there’s growing concern that some provisions of the IRA, including bonus adders, could be rolled back or revised at the end of this year. Acting now ensures your project can still take full advantage of today’s robust incentives.
Battery Storage and Energy Resilience
Beyond solar panels, battery storage is another option that offers financial and operational advantages. Batteries store excess energy for use during high-demand periods, reducing reliance on the grid and helping manage electricity costs. Ameren now provides rebates for commercial battery storage, further lowering the cost of installation. These systems can also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
For businesses that experience power disruptions or want to stabilize energy costs, integrating battery storage with a solar system can provide long-term benefits.
A Local Perspective on Solar
Solar adoption is growing across Illinois, and businesses in a range of industries are seeing the benefits. Companies in manufacturing, utilities, and commercial operations are implementing solar solutions to reduce operating expenses and hedge against rising energy costs. Smart inverter technology, which helps ensure seamless integration with the grid, has become a standard in many new solar installations. These inverters improve system reliability and ensure compliance with evolving utility requirements.
With an office right here in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Morton Solar is perfectly positioned to serve businesses across southern Illinois and beyond.
And when it comes to commercial and industrial-scale projects, our engineering roots run deep. Our team has real-world experience supporting operations at the Caterpillar manufacturing plant in Decatur, Illinois — one of the largest and most complex industrial sites in the Midwest. That background gives us a unique edge in understanding the energy demands of commercial and heavy industrial facilities, and in designing robust, efficient systems that integrate seamlessly with your operations.
We’ve also delivered large-scale commercial solar solutions for major clients such as:
Weighing the Long-term Benefits
For businesses considering solar, the financial impact goes beyond incentives:
Lower monthly electricity costs, often by 50% or more.
A return on investment within a few years due to available rebates and tax credits.
Increased energy independence and protection from future rate hikes.
Potential increase in property value and sustainability credentials.
Whether for a warehouse, office building, manufacturing plant, or agricultural operation, commercial solar offers a combination of financial and operational benefits. With strong incentives currently in place, now may be a good time for businesses to evaluate their options and determine if solar aligns with their long-term energy strategy.
Contact Morton Solar to get a free quote and best solar solution for your business.
812-402-0900