Best Solar Panel Installers
If you’re living in Illinois and considering going green, you might wonder if solar energy is worth the investment. For many homeowners and businesses, installing solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills. In this article, we delve into a variety of solar companies in Illinois, sourced from SolarPanelPriceinPk.com, a comprehensive database of the best solar panel installers in the USA. Unlike other sites, SolarPanelPriceinPk.com offers a transparent view of over 2,000 companies, not just those we are partnered with. This commitment to openness sets us apart from other solar review aggregators.
You can explore top Illinois installers directly on this site or read more about them on SolarPanelPriceinPk.com. Even better, you can request your personalized solar quote from our experts.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Illinois?
Illinois has seen a significant rise in solar power usage in recent years, much like many other states. To encourage homeowners to switch to green energy, the state has implemented several policies. The decreasing cost of solar power in Illinois is prompting more people to harness the sun’s energy for their needs.
Being energy-independent reduces your vulnerability to electricity price hikes during high-demand periods. Furthermore, if you have a solar battery, you won’t risk running out of power, as you can generate and store your own solar energy.
Residents in the Land of Lincoln can cut down their high electricity bills and are ideal candidates for solar panel installation. Although the initial cost of solar panels can be high, the state is developing programs, laws, and incentives to encourage more homeowners to go green. Numerous solar companies in Illinois can meet your demands and budget, offering various financing options.
Let’s dive into our research on the best solar panel installers in Illinois:
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar in Illinois
Founded in 2014, Blue Raven is among the best solar panel installers, providing solar energy systems for homes in 12 states across the United States. The company offers sleek black-on-black solar panels with internal circuit runs, ensuring both aesthetics and quick installations. Blue Raven takes pride in the reliability and appearance of its systems. They also feature an internal lending program that offers free energy for 18 months, making them a unique option in the market.
Pros:
- Full-Service Procedure:
Blue Raven manages installations in-house, resulting in quicker and more efficient processes compared to other solar panel companies that subcontract installation work. - Internal Financing Options:
Your eligibility for Blue Raven’s financing plan is determined by a specialist based on your financial situation. Blue Raven offers two financing options: - BluePower: A payment plan with transferable terms, no early payment penalties, and fixed, affordable monthly payments with an industry-best interest rate.
- BluePower Plus+: A payment schedule with an 18-month free solar energy period and no down payment.
- Referral Program:
Blue Raven has a generous referral program. You earn $500 for the first referral, $1,000 for the second, and $1,500 for the third. After the first three referrals, you receive $1,500 for each recommendation, making it one of the most rewarding referral programs in the Illinois solar installer market.
Cons:
- No Leases or PPAs Available:
Blue Raven does not offer leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) as payment options for customers seeking to benefit from renewable energy without investing their own money.
Certasun
Certasun Review
Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Certasun is one of the best solar panel installers, serving both Illinois and Wisconsin. The company handles solar power systems for homes, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar power battery storage. As a SunPower Elite Dealer, Certasun provides the same guarantees and products that clients would receive when dealing directly with SunPower.
Pros:
- Exclusive SunPower Equinox Installation:
Certasun’s exclusive SunPower Equinox solar system installation showcases quality. This system is known for its efficiency, attractiveness, and durability, providing clients with top-notch, long-lasting technology. - Online Consultations:
Booking a solar expert can be a significant commitment. It began offering online consultations for estimates and proposals during the 2020 pandemic. They use modern satellite images to assess house pitch and orientation and examine nearby structures that might shade your property and reduce panel efficiency. - Backup Battery Offered:
Batteries have become popular as many people move away from traditional utilities. Certasun sells SunPower’s SunVault Energy Storage battery, which is compact and expandable and can be controlled via smartphone. Ask about installing SunVault Energy Storage during your consultation. This battery system costs between $12,000 and $28,000, including installation.
Cons:
- No NABCEP Accreditation:
One drawback is that Certasun does not appear to have technicians with NABCEP certification, which is one of the most prestigious solar certification programs in the United States.
StraightUp Solar
StraightUp Solar Review
Established in 2006, StraightUp is among the best solar panel installers operating in Illinois and Missouri, providing solar solutions for homes and businesses. The company offers comprehensive solar energy services, covering everything from concept to construction, including solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging stations.
Pros:
- Top-rated Equipment:
StraightUp installs elite solar equipment from brands like REC Solar, SolarEdge, and Tesla. Besides high-quality panels and inverters, they offer solar batteries and are a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer. - B Corp Certified:
A Certified B Corp has a social-change mindset. To be considered a B Corp, a solar company must demonstrate significant contributions to supporting social change, focusing on employees, customers, and environmental impact. - 24/7 Service Department:
StraightUp ensures your solar system continues working efficiently post-installation. Their full-time service department handles requests and system troubleshooting, addressing concerns like: - Monitoring issues
- Wiring problems
- Faulty inverters
Cons:
- Limited States Coverage:
StraightUp Solar is only available in Illinois and Missouri. Smaller companies like StraightUp may be at a disadvantage due to their limited service area compared to larger enterprises with a nationwide presence. Promoting authentic reviews on reliable websites could help differentiate them from other local providers.
Tick Tock Energy
Tick Tock Energy Review
Founded in 2006 by two brothers with careers in renewable energy, Tick Tock Energy has become one of the best solar panel installers, earning the trust of over 250 clients by offering a variety of energy-saving solutions to reduce energy expenses.
Tick Tock Energy has collaborated with several renewable energy associations, including Ameren Illinois, MOSEIA (Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association), and ISEA (Illinois Solar Energy Association). From 2015 to 2019, the company was recognized annually with the Top 500 Solar Contractors Award.
Pros:
- Variety of Services Offered:
Most solar installation businesses offer conventional roof-mounted setups. Tick Tock Energy’s engineering and electrical expertise allows them to provide: - Ground and roof-mounted installations
- Solar tracker installations
- Bergey wind turbine installations
- Solar patios and wall-mounted awnings with off-grid or emergency power backup installations Tick Tock Energy caters to residential, commercial, and farm industries, providing options like power management, daylighting, and LED lighting solutions.
- Advanced Sales Process:
Tick Tock Energy employs NABCEP-certified salespeople skilled in negotiating the best equipment deals. They save clients time and money by finding affordable equipment after consultation and design.
Cons:
- Limited Financing Options:
Solar systems are significant investments, and many prospective consumers can’t afford the initial costs. While most solar companies offer financing, Tick Tock Energy does not offer in-house financing, relying instead on federal and state tax incentives or rebates.
Tron Solar
Tron Solar Review
Founded in 2018 with just six employees, Tron Solar has rapidly expanded to a team of over fifty. As one of Illinois’ best solar panel installers, Tron Solar receives high recommendations in nearly every review. The company collaborates with top solar companies like Sunrun and has completed numerous installations using equipment from renowned manufacturers, including Talesun, Enphase, and Solaredge.
Pros:
- Roof Restoration Sister Company:
In addition to solar services, Tron Solar’s sister firm, Tron Restoration, focuses on building windows, siding, and roofs. This allows clients to take advantage of solar installation along with home maintenance services. Tron Solar provides crews for general maintenance, wildlife control, solar audits, panel snow cleaning, solar leak repair, and more. - Robust Industry Partnership:
Tron Solar collaborates with reputable companies across the solar industry, ensuring homes receive high-quality solar energy systems. These partnerships provide affordable and flexible zero-down financing options, enabling customers to benefit from state and federal incentives, such as the Federal Solar Tax Credit.
Cons:
- No PPA and Lease for Residential Customers:
While Tron Solar does offer leases for commercial projects, it does not provide power purchase agreements (PPAs) for residential customers. These options reduce upfront costs to minimal monthly payments for either renting the system or purchasing the power it generates.
Solar Incentives in Illinois
Illinois offers several solar incentives that make going solar more affordable. Although it has fewer incentives than some states, there are enough programs and subsidies to help residents transition to renewable energy cost-effectively:
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit:
Also known as the ITC, homeowners can claim a 30% tax credit on the cost of solar panel installation if they own the system and have paid a certain amount of income tax. Check with your accountant for eligibility. - Illinois Shines – Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SRECs):
You can earn SRECs for the electricity you generate over a 15-year term. - Net Metering:
With net metering, you get a credit for every excess kilowatt-hour your panels produce and send back to the grid. The state mandates that utilities credit you for 1:1 for your power, allowing you to use them on future electric bills. - Illinois Solar For All Program:
Illinois Solar For All aims to lower energy costs by allowing low-income families to own or rent solar panels. Families can also benefit from community solar by utilizing solar energy without installing it themselves.
How to Choose the Best Illinois Solar Installer
The top solar providers in Illinois combine excellent customer service, efficient processes, and competitive prices. In addition to the leading Illinois installers mentioned earlier, consider local providers and larger national firms, as the top company will vary depending on your needs.
For Illinois, the choice of a solar installation company will likely depend on the quality of services and specific needs. For example, those interested in SunPower systems might select Certasun, whereas those seeking Tesla products might choose StraightUp Solar.
Do you want to know the cost of solar in your state? Try SolarPanelPriceinPk.com’s comprehensive solar calculator to determine your potential solar panel costs and savings based on your location and roof type.
Alternatively, get quotes from the top solar installers in Illinois today by completing this simple online form.
If you’re curious about the savings and costs of going solar in your area, we recommend reviewing SolarPanelPriceinPk.com’s detailed breakdown of the most recent solar panel costs and installation expenses in Illinois.
