Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Making the transition to solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation companies in Thornton.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Thornton depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system costs $3,760 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in Thornton are 6.4 kilowatts, and the typical Thornton 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 heater.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Thornton, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Thornton, meaning your payback period could last 18.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
Solar panels are gaining wider adoption for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
