12 Best Solar Companies in Freeport, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Freeport based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Freeport, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Freeport homeowner saves $1,108/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Freeport
As a homeowner or business owner in Freeport, you may be considering switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a great choice since it has many benefits. Due to Freeport's great amount of sunshine on average, there are lots of solar companies to choose from.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Freeport. To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Freeport, you can click "get quote" below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Freeport
Average Cost
SunPower
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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
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
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
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
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
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- 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
Jansen Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Sunpower by Sun N Us Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Bright Skies Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Illinois Renewable Energy Association
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Wanxiang New Energy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Riverside Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Freeport
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Freeport 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 Freeport
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 Freeport
We know that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Your home's power bills: Due to high monthly energy bills in Freeport, you could save about $900 a year with solar.
- Your income and budget: This guides what kind of solar panels you can buy.
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your utility bills, which can lead to an average of $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Where your home is: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Freeport
Since solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are some government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Freeport.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Freeport
There are a few important reasons why homeowners are interested in solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Freeport, though. In a city like Freeport where energy use is rather high, installing solar panels is a fantastic idea for those who are eco-conscious. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and generates electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Freeport, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Freeport?
In Freeport, Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and desired energy output.
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.