10 Best Solar Companies in Gardner, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Gardner based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Gardner, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Gardner homeowner saves $1,427/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Gardner
Looking to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be difficult to decide on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Gardner has a good amount of solar growth, so a lot of the best solar companies in the nation have expanded to there to help residents switch over to renewable energy.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Gardner to make your choice a bit easier.To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Gardner, click the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Gardner
Sunrun Solar
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Route 66 Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Grid-Tied Solar System
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Skydrop Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
EFS Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
IQ Group Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
SunSent Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Halo Solar LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
ROUTE 66 SOLAR
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Gardner
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Gardner 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 Gardner
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 Gardner
For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar energy boils down to the cost.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be too pricey an option for homes that don’t consume a lot of energy a month.
- The make and model of solar panels you want: Higher-efficiency panels are more highly priced, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- Your city: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Gardner
Switching to solar power has plenty of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Gardner.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Gardner
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy.But – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? As reported by the EPA, electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that number in a city like Gardner that accounts for a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In Gardner, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Gardner, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installation company in Gardner?
The best local solar company in Gardner is Sunrun Solar, with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental 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 requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.
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.