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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Lake Villa residents. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Lake Villa. These top companies offer high-quality and dependable services.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
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:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
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 licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with providers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
The cost of home solar panels in Lake Villa will depend on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,760 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Lake Villa are 6.3 kilowatts, and the typical Lake Villa homeowners spends $16,643 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
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) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Lake Villa, 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, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Lake Villa, the average amount someone can save is $904 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Lake Villa. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.