10 Best Solar Companies in Lincolnwood, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

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 crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.

Check Licensing

Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures 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

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 assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should describe all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should have 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 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 electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.

• Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra financial benefits to incentivize homeowners to go solar. Review the requirements to qualify and the rebate amounts with your local provider to calculate your potential savings.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed through leases or loans. Review important financing details such as annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
• Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Lincolnwood

The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the technology being used. The typical Lincolnwood solar array has a capacity of 6.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Lincolnwood homeowners spends roughly $16,818 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 company will account for factors such as the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.