Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Year after year, more Blackberry residents adopt rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation providers in Blackberry.
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about 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.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Solar panels can help decrease your electricity costs in the long run. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
The cost of home solar panels in Blackberry varies depending on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,760 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Blackberry are 6.5 kilowatts, and the typical Blackberry homeowners spends $17,188 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Air Purifier: $50
Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $50
Electric Clothes Dryer: $50
Freezer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: Free pickup and $50, plus an additional $10 if recycling a room A/C at the same time
Heating & Cooling
Air Source Heat Pump: $400 - $600
Central A/C: $300 - $600
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $400
Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $6,000/home
Furnace Blower Motor (ECM): $50 - $100
Miscellaneous
Advanced Power Strip: $10
Air Sealing: Up to $400/home
Attic Insulation: Up to $300/home
Duct Sealing: Up to $500/home
Lighting: In-store discounts, varies
Pool Pump: $275
Smart Thermostat: $100
Wall Insulation: Up to $400/home
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Blackberry, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Blackberry. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
