11 Best Solar Companies in Niles, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Niles based on:

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

Average Niles homeowner saves $1,132/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 Niles

If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Niles, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to go with. But, it's worth it since switching to solar power is often a fantastic choice. What's especially pushing a lot of readers toward going solar is their sizable energy bills that keep increasing each year.

Here, we'll narrow down some of the best solar companies in Niles to make your choice a little easier. To help you know if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Niles 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 Niles

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

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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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

93Energy Solar

  • 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: https://www.93energy.com/
Address: Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 7737912070
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunStyle

  • 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://sunstyle.com/
Address: Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 8479068566
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarWerks Solar Panel Installer LLC

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://solarpanelsskokie.com/
Address: Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 2249986035
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Power Works Inc

  • 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: http://greenpowerworksinc.com/
Address: Chicago, IL 60646
Phone: 7737948888

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Niles

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Niles 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 Niles


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 Niles

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your panels. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Your current electric bills: Solar panels can greatly decrease, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Niles, you can save an average of $75 a month.

Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives, all while helping the planet.

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Solar Incentives in Niles

If you're planning on making the switch to solar energy, a number of government incentives and solar rebates can drastically reduce your project costs and expedite the return on your investment. When you install solar panels, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there are often some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further save. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Niles

A lot of people want to do what they can to help save the planet, which for many is the prime motivation to install solar panels. You may be wondering — how much does making the switch help the planet anyway? One thing you should 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. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

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 Niles, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar installer in Niles?

The best local solar company in Niles is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely cut your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much 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?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.5 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

When should I put up solar panels?

Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.

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.