10 Best Solar Companies in Chester, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Chester based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Chester, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chester homeowner saves $1,254/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chester
Searching for the top solar companies in Chester? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $15,000 on your power bills.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly based on your home’s framework and your household energy usage.To get an idea of how much it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 Chester
Jackson Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Astrawatt Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
Route 66 Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
EFS Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
StraightUp Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Solar city stl
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
five stars electric and solar LLC
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chester 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 Chester
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 Chester
Even though solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.Some main factors that affect how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too steep of an investment for households that don’t consume too much energy per month.
- The model of solar panels you can afford: This depends on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your power bills: This will influence how much you can save. In Chester, the average resident can save about $850 a year on their electricity bills.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your energy consumption.
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If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chester, IL.
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Solar Incentives in Chester
Adopting solar power has plenty of great benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chester
Making the switch to solar power is a great way to do your part for a greener future.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? Switching to solar power is an impactful choice for the environment, because the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.Because solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Chester, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Chester?
In Chester, Jackson Solar LLC is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 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 making solar panels?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 16.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.