18 Best Solar Companies in Chicago, IL (Aug 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Chicago based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated 7/19/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Chicago
If you're a homeowner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Chicago, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the hard work is worth it since adopting solar energy is typically a good idea. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Chicago, giving homeowners access to some of the top solar installers in the country.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially depending on your home's layout and your overall energy usage. We recommend shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from vetted solar installers in Chicago, click the link below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chicago
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Selenium Energy LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Regional Service
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Eco Solar Solutions LLC
- Offers a free quote process
- Can browse portfolio on website
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Magitek Energy Solutions, Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Some reported issues with customer services
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Energy Systems, LLC
- Offers a free quote process
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Moxie Solar
- Offers a free quote process
- Has an online quote form
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Batteries
Regional Service
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Regional Service
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Regional Service
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Local Service
One Energy Solutions, LLC
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Makes charitable contributions
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Greenlyfe LLC
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Local Service
Crossroads Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Knott's Watts
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Can browse portfolio on website
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Batteries
Local Service
Solar Soleil LLC
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Greenlight Planet, Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Watts of Love
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Makes charitable contributions
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chicago
We know that for many homeowners, the choice to invest in solar rests on installation costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too steep of an investment for households that don't consume a lot of energy per month.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 26% of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your energy bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can get.
There are several great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Adopting clean energy can greatly impact both the environment and your monthly expenses. To see how much, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chicago, IL.
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Solar Incentives in Chicago
Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels, there are various government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. You can learn about the incentives available to you in the table below.
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Credits |
| Incentive Amount | Negotiated with procurement administrators |
| Incentive Max | Benchmarks set by procurement administrators |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | City of Chicago - Green Building Permit Programs |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Varies |
| Incentive Max | None specified |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chicago
One of the reasons so many are considering going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact. You may be trying to figure out — how much does making the switch help the planet anyway? Going solar is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest 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 carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and makes electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the environment.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chicago, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Chicago?
In Chicago, Selenium Energy LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.52 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Making solar panels requires 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?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 14.4 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.