15 Best Solar Companies in Downers Grove, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Downers Grove based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Downers Grove, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Downers Grove homeowner saves $1,107/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Downers Grove
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Downers Grove homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power that much easier. One of the key reasons why many homeowners consider switching to solar power is because it can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
If you’re considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Downers Grove and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and made a list of the best solar companies for you.To get an idea of how much you might pay to put up solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Downers Grove by clicking the "get quote" 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 Downers Grove
SunPower by Sun N Us
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Unity Solar Group
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Rethink Electric
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SolarShift
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
FreeWorld Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sunset Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Windy City Solar Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Vantage Home Solar Illinois
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
Summit Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Downers Grove
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
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 Downers Grove
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has gone down immensely over the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your city: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can afford.
- How much energy you use: If your home needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Downers Grove
In an effort to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make solar power more economical and accessible.These incentives usually take the form of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% in some cases. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Downers Grove
Lots of people want to do their part to help the environment, which for many is the main reason they’re interested in installing solar panels.But – how much exactly can you help by going solar? One thing that can drastically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you go solar and drive an electric car, you can greatly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Even though making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Downers Grove, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar energy is renewable and makes electricity without a carbon footprint, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
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 Downers Grove, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Downers Grove?
In Downers Grove, SunPower by Sun N Us is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. 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.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.