Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Norridge homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar providers in Norridge. These top installers consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
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 save money on 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 reliable.
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 issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors.
Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help decrease your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Norridge varies depending 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 permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Norridge are 6.4 kilowatts, and the typical Norridge homeowners spends $16,818 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, reduce emissions, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly 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 Norridge, 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 when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Norridge, meaning your payback period could last 18.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Norridge area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
