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 venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Installation costs can be high, but adopting solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $15,000 over 20 years.
There are lots of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Chester.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Chester, click the "get quote" button below.
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 Chester
AES Solar
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Jackson Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Streib Company
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Astrawatt Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Route 66 Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
EFS Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc.
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
StraightUp Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Solar city stl
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
five stars electric and solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- 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
Although solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.Some key things that determine how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Chester uses a decent amount of, and consequently may save on their energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- 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 generate an average of $15,000 of savings over 20 years.
- 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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Solar Incentives in Chester
Because solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are some government incentives available to encourage its adoption.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 stack the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, 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. Since solar power is renewable and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help preserve 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 Chester, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Chester?
The best local solar company in Chester is AES Solar, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. 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 for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 16.8 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, your budget 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.