15 Best Solar Companies in Chicago, IL (2025 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chicago based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Chicago, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chicago homeowner saves $1,120/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chicago
When choosing between the best solar companies, Chicago homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power easier. One of the major reasons why many homeowners are thinking about switching to solar energy is because it can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Chicago and compare quotes. That’s why we took the time and made a list of the best solar companies for you.Keep reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chicago
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
FreeWorld Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
ilumen Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
93Energy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Semper Solr
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
RxSun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Certasun
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
Windfree Solar Co
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chicago
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chicago 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 Chicago
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 Chicago
For the majority of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy comes down to the cost.Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Chicago uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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To find out how much you can impact the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, 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
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money.These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can cut how much you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% in some cases. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chicago
Going solar can have a meaningful effect on the environment.Something many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like Chicago where energy use is rather high, installing solar panels is a great plan for people who care about the planet.When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 90 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other benefits outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.
EcoWatch's Chicago, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Chicago?
The best local solar company in Chicago is WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle 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?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 18.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.