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10 Best Solar Companies in Kankakee, IL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Kankakee. A rooftop solar array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, add value to your property, and provide a dependable source of power. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation companies in Kankakee.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Kankakee

YellowLite

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9981 W 190th Pl Unit K-1, Mokena, IL 60448 (800) 490-8726 yellowlitechicago.business.site

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation

Summit Solar

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2108 McDonough St, Joliet, IL 60436 (864) 250-0026 mysummitsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Grid-tied solar system

B.T. Electric Inc

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9321 Wicker Ave, St John, IN 46323 (312) 788-8879 bteillinois.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation

Solar Power Midwest LLC

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103 Frances St, Lockport, IL 60441 (630) 853-4503 solarpowermidwest.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
System decommissioning
Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation

Solar Joe's Inc

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1300 River Haven Trail, Joliet, IL 60431 (815) 483-1291 solarjoesinc.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation
Community solar projects
Permit assistance
Cleaning and maintenance

Solar Service Solutions LLC

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24051 S Lakeview Dr, Minooka, IL 60447 (815) 503-2021 solarservicesolutionsllc.com

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Panel installation

SolarShift

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1244 State St, Lemont, IL 60439 (630) 780-2936 mysolarshift.com

Clear pricing policy

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Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Community solar projects
Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Panel installation

Greentech Renewables Chicago

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2207 E 165th St, Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 803-7878 cedgreentechus.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage

Reficiency Solar

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4513 Lincoln Ave # 110, Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 780-0951 reficiency.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Battery storage
Consultation

Safeguard Solar LLC

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2819 Village Green Dr, Aurora, IL 60504 (331) 226-0866 safeguardsolarllc.com

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional discounts to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the requirements and the rebate amounts offered by your local electric utility to estimate the possible savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed over time with loans or leases. Confirm key financing details like fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Kankakee

The average Kankakee homeowner will spend around $16,867 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Kankakee cost roughly $3,760 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 6.4 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's panel type, size, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.

Kankakee Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: comed.com

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: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: icc.illinois.gov

Incentive Amount:

Negotiated with procurement administrators

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Kankakee, IL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.

With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Kankakee, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Kankakee amount to $940.

While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.

Solar panels are gaining traction for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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