15 Best Solar Companies in Evanston, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Evanston based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Evanston, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Evanston homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Evanston
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Evanston? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since there are many benefits after adopting solar power. For lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar hinges on how much they can save. The good news is solar can help most homeowners save a sizable amount on their fairly high and increasing energy bills.
The cost of installing solar panels can change significantly depending on your home's layout and your overall energy usage. Want to see the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Evanston solar installer.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Evanston
SunPower by Sun N Us
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Reliable Customer Support - Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
YellowLite
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Atlas Solar Advisors
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
SolarWerks, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Verde Solutions LLC
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
SolarWerks Solar Panel Installer LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Fresh Coast Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
FreeWorld Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
93Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
ENGIE North America
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Windfree Solar Co
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Simplified
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Tesla Solar Chicago
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
RxSun
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Evanston
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Evanston 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 Evanston
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 Evanston
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your system. Some important things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical household in Evanston spends around $900 a year on electricity alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Evanston gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your electricity bills will be.
There are lots of wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Evanston
In order to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local incentives, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Evanston
There are a few primary reasons why people are interested in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? The average person has a sizable carbon footprint. Between their car, which is responsible for over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year, and electricity for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Using solar power is a simple thing you can do to help. While solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Evanston, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, going solar has so many other benefits beyond saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Evanston, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Evanston?
In Evanston, ilumen Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.01 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
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.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.5 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, 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 contracting installers, 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.