16 Best Solar Companies in Kankakee, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Kankakee based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Kankakee, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Kankakee homeowner saves $1,173/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Kankakee
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your home is a huge decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Kankakee. While solar panels are a large investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $14,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably based on your home's layout and your overall energy requirements. Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button 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 Kankakee
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
Selenium Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
YellowLite
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Leading Solar Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Service Solutions LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
SunRise Solar Attic Fans
- Family-Operated Business
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Wesco Distribution Inc
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
B.T. Electric Inc
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
Summit Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
INCARE Wind and Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Power Midwest, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Kankakee
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Kankakee 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 Kankakee
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 Kankakee
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all. There are a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, including:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Kankakee uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
- The kind of solar panel system you can purchase: This hinges on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than a house with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Kankakee
Although solar power is typically a large investment, it can save you much money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to reduced energy bills and government incentives. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you a decent amount of money in return after buying a qualifying system. For more information about local incentives, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Kankakee
A lot of people want to do their part to help protect the environment, which for many is the main motivation to install a solar system. You may be trying to figure out — how much do solar panels help the planet anyway? Regardless of your location, you can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use a lot of energy will have a greater impact. If you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 90 pounds a year. If you care about the environment, you'll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Kankakee, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Kankakee is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 13.0 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
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 cost more. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, like 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.