10 Best Solar Companies in Highland Park, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

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

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should have 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 confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help decrease your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.

• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time with loans or leases. Verify key financing details like annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.
• Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to incentivize homeowners to go solar. Review the requirements to qualify and the rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Highland Park

Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Highland Park has a capacity of 6.3 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Highland Park homeowners spends about $16,643 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees.