10 Best Solar Companies in South Elgin, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure 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 installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability 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. These quotes should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the option that aligns with your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through loans or leases. Review all terms when financing, including annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for the full solar system cost is available through 2032. Many states provide incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
• Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional rebates to motivate homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local power company to determine the possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in South Elgin

Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the solar technology being used. The typical South Elgin solar array has a capacity of 6.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average South Elgin homeowners spends about $17,188 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.