10 Best Solar Companies in Chicago, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

Check TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's integrity and customer service. Avoid companies with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

• Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the qualification criteria and rebate values with your local utility provider to determine what you could save.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed through a lease or loan. Confirm important financing details such as fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Chicago

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Chicago has a capacity of 6.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Chicago homeowners spends about $17,005 on a new solar system 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 factors such as the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.