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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Naperville homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, add value to your property, and provide a dependable source of power. Making the switch to solar power can help cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Naperville. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures 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 home solar installers.
Check Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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 reliability and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar company that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology being used. The typical Naperville solar array has a capacity of 6.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Naperville homeowners spends roughly $17,096 on a new solar array 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 provider will account for things like the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
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
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing 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.
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 Naperville, the average amount someone can save is $948 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. Naperville gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 18.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to be compensated 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.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.