Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

10 Best Solar Companies in Riverside, IL

Get matched with a top local pro.
Join over 640 homeowners that have gotten a free quote in the past week.

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Every year, more Riverside residents adopt rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and lower their carbon footprint. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Riverside. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

Our Recommended Providers

Best Overall
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Riverside

SunPower by Sun N Us

SunPower by Sun N Us Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1400 E Touhy Ave Unit 255, Des Plaines, IL 60018 (833) 786-6878 sunpowerbysunnus.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Consultation

FreeWorld Solar

FreeWorld Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1212 N Ashland Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 585-7761 freeworldrenewables.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Residential panels
Solar panel upgrades
Skilled repairs
Commercial panels
Financing assistance
Permit assistance

RxSun

RxSun Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
2211 N Elston Ave Suite 208, Chicago, IL 60614 (800) 607-9786 rxsun.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Financing assistance
Consultation
Residential panels
Permit assistance
Maintenance

WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services

WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
401 N Trumbull Ave # D, Chicago, IL 60624 (224) 307-4057 windsoleil.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Off-grid solar systems
Energy efficiency audit
Commercial panels
Residential panels

SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation

SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
3433 N Pontiac Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 (888) 412-9040 solarwerksllc.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Maintenance
Commercial panels
Skilled repairs
Permit assistance
Residential panels
Consultation

Windy City Solar Group

Windy City Solar Group Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1546 Cuyler Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 737-8114 windycitysolargroup.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Business installations
Home installations
Integrated roofing
Tailored solutions
Expert panel installation
Residential panels

Unity Solar Group

Unity Solar Group Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1111 W 22nd St ste 240b, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (833) 743-7676 unitysolargroup.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Off-grid solar systems
Financing assistance
Consultation
Residential panels

JD Pro Electric Inc

JD Pro Electric Inc Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
9230 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 (847) 916-2052 jdproelectric.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Ev charger
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.

Ailey Solar Electric, Inc. Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1965 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 492-1294 aileysolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Consultation

Solar Installers Glenview

Solar Installers Glenview Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1000 N North Branch St #45, Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 832-8866 yadkinsolar.shop

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Residential panels
Battery storage
Financing assistance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with providers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that fits your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation problems such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Switching to solar power can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners may purchase solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to verify key details like payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local utility companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the qualification criteria and rebate values with your local electric company to find out what your savings could be.

Cost of Solar Installation in Riverside

In Riverside, solar panels cost an average of $3,760 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.4 kilowatts. The typical Riverside homeowner spends $16,818 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's required preliminary work, size, capacity, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Riverside Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: comed.com

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: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: icc.illinois.gov

Incentive Amount:

Negotiated with procurement administrators

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Riverside, IL

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Riverside, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Riverside amount to $904.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Riverside gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 18.6 years per 5 kW of capacity.

Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.

Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.

Other Riverside, IL Home Services