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

Average Kankakee homeowner saves $1,173/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Kankakee

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Solar Financing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Blue Raven Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Doesn't offer solar batteries

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://blueravensolar.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Selenium Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://selenium34.com/
Address: Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: 6305170559
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

YellowLite

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://yellowlitechicago.business.site/
Address: Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: 8004908726
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Leading Solar Solutions

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.leadingsolar.com/
Address: Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: 8777277142
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Service Solutions LLC

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://solarservicesolutionsllc.com/
Address: Minooka, IL 60447
Phone: 8155032021
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunRise Solar Attic Fans

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.sunrisesolar.com/
Address: St John, IN 46373
Phone: 2195582211
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wesco Distribution Inc

  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.wesco.com/
Address: Rockdale, IL 60436
Phone: 8157253900
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

B.T. Electric Inc

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.bteillinois.com/
Address: St John, IN 46323
Phone: 3127888879
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Summit Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.mysummitsolar.com/illinois
Address: Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: 8642500026
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

INCARE Wind and Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://incarewindandsolar.com/about-us/
Address: Dyer, IN 46311
Phone: 7652038491
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Power Midwest, Inc.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://solarpowermidwest.com/
Address: Lockport, IL 60441
Phone: 3093813381

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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.