7 Best Solar Companies in Chatham, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Chatham based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Chatham, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chatham homeowner saves $1,274/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chatham
Are you looking for energy freedom in Chatham? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since there are a lot of benefits when you go solar. While solar power is a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $15,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably based on your home's framework and your household energy requirements. For an idea of how much you would have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Chatham by clicking the "get quote" button below.
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 Chatham
Route 66 Solar
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Clear Pricing Policy - Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Springfield Sunsent Solar Installation Company
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
EFS Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Skydrop Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Sunsent Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Vista Energy Renewables
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chatham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chatham 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 Chatham
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 Chatham
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs the most. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can significantly lower, or totally eliminate, your utility bills. In Chatham, you can save an average of $83 a month.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the kind of solar panels you get and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Chatham
Because solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are some government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Chatham.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chatham
An important reason so many people are thinking of switching to solar power is to help lower their environmental impact. You may be wondering — how much does going solar do for the environment anyway? The more energy your family uses, the better off the planet will be if you switch to solar as you won't need to burn as many fossil fuels. In Chatham, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. Since energy from the sun is abundant and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Chatham, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Chatham?
The best local solar company in Chatham is Prairie Power Inc, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the biggest pros and cons of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it's good for the environment, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey 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 12.0 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have 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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.