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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A rooftop solar array will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation companies in Hinsdale.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
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 deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help decrease your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Hinsdale solar array has a capacity of 6.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Hinsdale homeowners spends about $17,005 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 provider will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.
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
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Hinsdale, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Hinsdale, meaning your payback period could last 18.8 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar contractor 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 get paid 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.