15 Best Solar Companies in DeKalb, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in DeKalb based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for DeKalb, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average DeKalb homeowner saves $1,114/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in DeKalb
Do you want energy freedom in DeKalb? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since you can take advantage of lots of perks when you switch to solar power. Fortunately, DeKalb residents have tons of the best solar companies in the nation, providing outstanding value for generating renewable energy.
To help you sort through the huge variety of DeKalb solar installers, we’ve narrowed in on a list of the top ones.Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in DeKalb
SunPower by Sun N Us
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
Greenlink Energy Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- System Decommissioning
Iconic Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
ilumen Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Independence Renewable Energy, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
CF Solar Power
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
Summit Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Certasun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Safeguard Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in DeKalb
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in DeKalb 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 DeKalb
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 DeKalb
We get that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.There are a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- The model of solar panels you want to get: Some are more costly, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that need lots of energy each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Thanks to DeKalb’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
As a result of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in DeKalb
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economically viable and accessible.When you install a solar panel system on your house, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there are often some state and city incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in DeKalb.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in DeKalb
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your carbon dioxide emissions.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? In DeKalb, where the energy generation can be rather dirty, going solar can have a significant effect on the planet since solar power is a renewable source of energy.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's DeKalb, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in DeKalb?
In DeKalb, SunPower by Sun N Us is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
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. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.