Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Westmont. A rooftop solar array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Adopting solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we assembled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Westmont. These providers offer dependable quality service.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 home solar installers.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with providers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Westmont depends on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array 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 Westmont are 6.5 kilowatts, and the typical Westmont homeowners spends $17,196 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and 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) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security 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 Westmont, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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 Westmont amount to $904.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Ultimately, the answer will depend 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 notify your insurer 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.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Westmont homes. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
