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10 best solar companies in Chicago, Illinois
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Chicago. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Chicago, Illinois, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Chicago to help you choose the right one.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Chicago or choose an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Chicago homeowners to save $900 on average each year.
Many solar companies provide different services. Make sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Chicago
Search for Chicago solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
RxSun
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Windfree Solar Co
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
JD Pro Electric Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
FreeWorld Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Atlas Solar Advisors
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kapital Electric, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
93Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Green Power Works Inc
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
Unity Solar Group
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Chicago?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Chicago, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to go solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar allows you to decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Chicago
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chicago?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you select any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Chicago, solar panel installation costs an average of $17,005, per data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Chicago?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Chicago from going solar
Homeowners in Chicago who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Chicago is 18 years.
- Annual solar savings in Chicago: On average, Chicago homeowners can save $904 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $10,265 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Chicago from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Chicago?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Chicago. Various programs are applicable to all Illinois residents, while others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for Illinois homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems | Varies |
Rebate Program ComEd - Energy Efficiency Program for Residential | 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 |
Green Building Incentive City of Chicago - Green Building Permit Programs | 50% of Building Permit Fee amount up to $25,000. Varies by project type and sector. |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Credits | Negotiated with procurement administrators |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Chicago solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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