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10 best solar companies in Evanston, 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 Evanston. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Evanston, Illinois requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Evanston to help you hire the perfect installer.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can go with a local Evanston solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
- 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
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy allows Evanston homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Evanston
When researching Evanston solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
RxSun
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Windfree Solar Co
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
JD Pro Electric Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kapital Electric, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
FreeWorld Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
93Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Atlas Solar Advisors
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Certasun
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
SolarW - Solar Panel Installer
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
Nelnet Renewable Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Evanston?
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Evanston, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar lets you reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Evanston
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 Evanston?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
As per numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Evanston has an average cost of $16,818.
How much can you save by going solar in Evanston?
Though installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Evanston from going solar
In Evanston, you can plan to save money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Evanston's average payback period for solar is 18 years.
- Annual solar savings in Evanston: Evanston homeowners can anticipate saving around $904 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $10,400 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Evanston from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 88 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Evanston?
Several solar incentives are offered to Evanston homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Illinois residents, whereas others differ by city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives offered to Illinois residents, as listed by 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Evanston solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rainfall and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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