11 Best Solar Companies in Kankakee, IL (Feb 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Kankakee based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated January 20, 2023
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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
- 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Kankakee
Local Service
SunRise Solar Attic Fans
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
360 Electric Heating/Cooling
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Porter Electric LLC
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Panther
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Shield
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
SOLAR PANTHER
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Earth Wind & Solar Energy LLC
- Locally owned and operated
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Fresh Coast Solar, LLC
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
FreeWorld Solar
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
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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For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Kankakee, IL.
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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 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
- 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
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
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.