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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 Elmwood Park. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Elmwood Park, Illinois, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Elmwood Park to help you choose the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Elmwood Park or select a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Elmwood Park homeowners to save $900 on average each year.
Various solar companies provide different services. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
When evaluating Elmwood Park solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Elmwood Park, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for adopting solar power:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
As per numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Elmwood Park has an average cost of $16,818.
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Elmwood Park homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
A variety of solar incentives are available to Elmwood Park homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Illinois residents, while others vary by city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to Illinois residents, according to DSIRE.
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 |
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. |
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and may require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Several solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
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Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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