Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Every year, more Bourbonnais residents install rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Switching to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Bourbonnais. These providers offer dependable quality service.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
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 home solar installers.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar installer that fits your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the best value.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In Bourbonnais, solar panels cost an average of $3,760 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.4 kilowatts. The typical Bourbonnais homeowner spends $16,867 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information based on your desired system's capacity, size, panel type, and required preliminary work. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to 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
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Bourbonnais, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Bourbonnais, the average amount someone can save is $904 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Bourbonnais, meaning your payback period could last 18.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Bourbonnais. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
