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10 Best Solar Companies in Vernon Hills, IL

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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 eventually pay for itself. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation companies in Vernon Hills.

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 Vernon Hills

SunPower by Sun N Us

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

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Consultation
Residential panels

Nelnet Renewable Energy

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230 N Hicks Pl, Palatine, IL 60067 (888) 202-5630 nelnetenergy.com

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Residential panels
Ev charger
Commercial panels
Financing assistance
Full-service
Off-grid solar systems
Maintenance

Certasun

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1582 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (312) 638-0800 certasun.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Consultation
Financing assistance

ilumen Solar

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4 N Hillview Dr C, Lake Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 852-3370 ilumen-solar.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Smart Sky Solar

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250 Parkway Dr Ste 150, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (224) 219-0544 smartskysolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Battery storage
Commercial panels
Residential panels

SolarW - Solar Panel Installer

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1376 Cavell Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (224) 707-9003 solarpanelshighlandpark.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Maintenance
Residential panels
Commercial panels
Permit assistance

Greentech Renewables North Chicago

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1305 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (847) 549-0300 greentechrenewables.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels

Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar

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1066 National Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (630) 998-8140 phoenixexteriors.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Commercial panels
Consultation
Skilled repairs
Residential panels
Full-service

Semper Solr

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3701 W Algonquin Rd Suite 1020, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (630) 454-9485 sempersolr.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Consultation
Financing assistance

TruHome Pros Solar

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1701 Woodfield Rd # 950, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (847) 665-3376 truhome-pros.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Full-service
Commercial panels
Financing assistance
Residential panels
Consultation
Battery storage
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

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites 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 installers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

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

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help lower your electricity costs in the long run. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra financial benefits to incentivize homeowners to go solar. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to calculate your potential savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners may purchase solar panels upfront or finance payments over time with a loan or lease. Be sure to confirm key details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • 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 result in substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Vernon Hills

The cost of home solar panels in Vernon Hills will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,760 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Vernon Hills are 6.3 kilowatts, and the typical Vernon Hills homeowners spends $16,643 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Vernon Hills 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 Vernon Hills, IL

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

With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.

Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

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 Vernon Hills, 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 after the payback period concludes.

The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.

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 consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

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