18 Best Solar Companies in Northbrook, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Northbrook based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Northbrook, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Northbrook homeowner saves $1,192/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Northbrook
Hoping to go solar but still deciding on which company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be hard to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many great perks. While solar is a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $14,000 over 20 years.
If you're considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Northbrook and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Northbrook, you can click "get quote" 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 Northbrook
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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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
ilumen Solar
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
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
Solar Panels Northbrook
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Buy Commercial Energy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Solar Energy of Illinois
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
GoSolar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Smart Sky Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Certasun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Sige Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
Illinois Solar Energy Co
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Illinois Solar Energy Co
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Northbrook
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Northbrook 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 Northbrook
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 Northbrook
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on utility bills over time, it's necessary to know the upfront costs. Some significant things that affect the cost and possible savings include:
- Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical family in Northbrook pays around $950 a year on home energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- 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 local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Northbrook
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives. Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 30% of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Northbrook.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Northbrook
One reason so many homeowners are thinking of adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact. You may be curious — how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? Everyone can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have an even greater impact. When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 90 pounds each year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other rewards outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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 Northbrook, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in Northbrook?
In Northbrook, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can give you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 12.8 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
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.