10 Best Solar Companies in Barrington, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners reduce utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the best value.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar panels can help lower your electricity costs in the long run. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

• Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or finance payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to verify key details like fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
• Look into utility rebates: More discounts might be available from utility companies looking to motivate homeowners to switch to solar power. Contact your local utility provider to find out rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for the full solar system cost is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Barrington

The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Barrington has a capacity of 6.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Barrington homeowners spends roughly $16,818 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.