10 Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

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

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the option that aligns with your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.

• Look into utility rebates: More discounts might be available from local power companies looking to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and eligibility rules, so you can determine your possible savings.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed through leases or loans. Check important financing details such as annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
• Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for total solar system costs until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Lake Forest

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