15 Best Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove, IL (2023 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
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove
If you're trying to find the best solar companies in Buffalo Grove, digging through so many options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many good benefits. On average, your family can save $14,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be well above that overall.
In this article, we'll help you find the top companies in your area. Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Buffalo Grove solar installer.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove
SunPower by Sun N Us
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Clear Pricing Policy - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Tailored solutions - Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
YellowLite
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
GoSolar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Smart Sky Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Semper Solr
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Certasun
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Solar Spring & Wire Form Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
GRNE Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Professional reinstallation
- Energy storage solutions
TruHome Pros Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
ilumen Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
Greencore Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Headline Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
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
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to pricing. Some key things that affect the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Your income and budget: This shapes what type of solar panels you can get.
- 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 on your power bills, which can result in an average of $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your energy consumption: If your household needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from going solar.
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Due to Buffalo Grove's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Buffalo Grove
If you're thinking about switching to solar energy, various government incentives and subsidies can dramatically reduce your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Buffalo Grove.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo Grove
Making the switch to solar power is a good way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? In a city like Buffalo Grove where energy use is rather high, installing solar panels is a fantastic plan for homeowners who are worried about the state of the planet. Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Buffalo Grove, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is renewable and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Buffalo Grove, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Buffalo Grove?
In Buffalo Grove, ilumen Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.01 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.4 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.