16 Best Solar Companies in Machesney Park, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Machesney Park based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Machesney Park, IL
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Machesney Park homeowner saves $1,223/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 Machesney Park

Finding the best solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Machesney Park. Because of Machesney Park's great level of sunshine on average, there are lots of solar companies to choose from.

Here, we'll narrow down some of the top solar companies in Machesney Park to make your decision a little bit easier. To help you understand if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Machesney Park 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 Machesney Park

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 Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

ilumen Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

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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
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GreenCastle Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.castleexteriors.net/
Address: Loves Park, IL 61111
Phone: 8775124207
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

TruHome Pros Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://www.truhome-pros.com/illinois/rockford/
Address: Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: 7798042024
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greenlink Energy Solutions

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.usgreenlink.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 7792106260
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Iconic Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://iconicnrg.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 8159758303
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rock Energy Cooperative

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.rock.coop/
Address: South Beloit, IL 61080
Phone: 8667524550
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EcoHome Expert, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://ecohomeexpert.com/
Address: Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: 8155441100
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wanxiang New Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.wanxiang.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 8152260884
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Agsun Corporation

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://agsuncorp.com/
Address: Janesville, WI 53546
Phone: 6087568633
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Janesville Home & Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://janesvillehomesolar.com/
Address: Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: 6084494376

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Machesney Park

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Machesney Park 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 Machesney Park


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 Machesney Park

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to install your system. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • The model of solar panels you're thinking of getting: More efficient models are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Machesney Park gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
  • How much energy costs for you: The average household in Machesney Park pays around $1,000 a year on energy use alone, so you could gain that much in savings.

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, like the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Machesney Park

If you're thinking about making the switch to solar power, a variety of government incentives and state programs can greatly bring down the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Machesney Park.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Machesney Park

Lots of people want to do what they can to help save the planet, which often is the primary reason for installing solar panels. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Machesney Park, though. How much energy you use is an important factor to consider. The more electricity you use, the larger your impact when you make the switch to solar power. In Machesney Park, the average household can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.

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 Machesney Park, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best near me?

In Machesney Park, WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services 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 planning on installing solar panels on your house.

What are a few of the pros and cons of switching to solar?

The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, 100% cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 12.5 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household needs between 20 and 35 panels to account for their energy needs.

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.