15 Best Solar Companies in Berkeley, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Berkeley based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Berkeley, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Berkeley homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Berkeley
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Berkeley. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $13,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary greatly depending on your home's framework and your household energy requirements. To help you find out if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Berkeley by clicking the button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Berkeley
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
ilumen Solar
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Continental Energy Solutions LLC
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Unity Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Dominion Lighting & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Sunset Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Windy City Solar Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
GAIN Renewables
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Berkeley
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Berkeley based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Berkeley
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Berkeley
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs above all. The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The model of solar panels you can purchase: This hinges on how much you're willing to spend upfront.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Berkeley uses a decent amount of, and so may save on their energy bills.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: This, and your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can make.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Berkeley
To increase solar panel installation and usage, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar power more financially viable and accessible. State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Berkeley.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Berkeley
Many want to do their part to help save the planet, which often is the prime motivation to install solar panels. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? In a city like Berkeley where energy use is rather high, going solar is a great idea for households who are eco-conscious. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Berkeley residents have been happy with committing to solar.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Berkeley, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Berkeley is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are some of the pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, 100% cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.5 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I put up solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.