Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
A solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we assembled a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Calumet. These providers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee 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.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot 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 no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact three to five solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the technology used. The typical Calumet solar array has a capacity of 6.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Calumet 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 their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.
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 appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can raise your property values, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence 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 Calumet, your best time to get solar 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 savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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 Calumet, 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 when your payback period is done.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar energy company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
