Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can allow you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Gurnee. These reliable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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 reduce utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Confirm 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 regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar power can help reduce your electricity costs long-term. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
In Gurnee, solar panels cost an average of $3,760 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.3 kilowatts. The typical Gurnee homeowner spends $16,643 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's size, panel type, capacity, 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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Gurnee, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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 installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
