Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Northbrook homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Northbrook. These installers consistently deliver high-quality service.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
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:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is reliable.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Ohio may require a solar company to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For residential work, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews 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 no reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar company that works with 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. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Northbrook solar array has a capacity of 7.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt; the average Northbrook homeowners spends about $17,636 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for factors such as the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
Incentive Amount:
Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC: up to $400
Central AC or Heat pump: $300-$400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400
Smart Thermostat: $125
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Duct Sealing: $100
Duct Insulation: $75
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250
Incentive Amount:
Geothermal Systems (New Installations): $1,200
Geothermal Systems (Replacement Systems): $600
Dual Fuel Heating Systems (New Installations): $600
Dual Fuel Heating Systems (Replacements): $300
Air Source Heat Pump Systems (New and Replacements): $300
Insulation: maximum of $800 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
Air Sealing: maximum of $400 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, qualify for tax benefits, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
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, so 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 decrease significantly 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 Northbrook, the average amount someone can save is $1,130 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
Although solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Northbrook. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
