15 Best Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Buffalo Grove based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Buffalo Grove, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Buffalo Grove homeowner saves $1,138/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove
When choosing between the best solar companies, Buffalo Grove homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar energy simpler. Installation costs can be high, but adopting solar will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save about $14,000 over 20 years.
To help you comb through the large number of Buffalo Grove solar installers, we’ve narrowed in on a list of the top ones.To get a sense of how much it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove
SunPower by Sun N Us
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
YellowLite
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Certasun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
ilumen Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Smart Sky Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Semper Solr
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
TruHome Pros Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarW - Solar Panel Installer
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Windfree Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
GoSolar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove
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 Buffalo Grove
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your system.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The type and model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: More high-tech panels are more costly, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can result in an average of $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much power your household needs: If your home regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
- How much you spend on energy: The average household in Buffalo Grove spends around $1,200 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the angle of your roof and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Buffalo Grove
In an effort to increase the adoption of solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economically viable and accessible.In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local benefits, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo Grove
Installing solar panels is a profound way to do what you can for a greener future.You may be asking yourself – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? For homeowners who want to help preserve the planet, going solar is an easy decision, especially since Buffalo Grove produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is abundant and generates electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Buffalo Grove, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel company in Buffalo Grove?
The top local solar company in Buffalo Grove is SunPower by Sun N Us, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the startup costs are high and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.5 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.