13 Best Solar Companies in Hickory Hills, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Hickory Hills based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Hickory Hills, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Hickory Hills homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Hickory Hills
Thinking of going solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be difficult to decide on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many great perks. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your bank account will be better off too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you want to take advantage of the many perks of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Hickory Hills solar installer that's right for you. Interested in knowing how much you would pay to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Hickory Hills solar installer.
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 Hickory Hills
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
Unity Solar Group Warehouse
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
GO Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Enterprises USA
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Masons
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Windy City Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SolarShift
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Hickory Hills
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Hickory Hills 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 Hickory Hills
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 Hickory Hills
Although solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, it's important to take into consideration the upfront costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Hickory Hills uses a decent amount of, and so may save on their energy bills.
- The type of solar panel system you can purchase: This depends on how much you're willing to spend upfront.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Hickory Hills
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can find in Hickory Hills.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hickory Hills
There are a few important reasons why people are interested in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? One thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute time and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Hickory Hills, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Hickory Hills?
In Hickory Hills, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting 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.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper 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 how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.