18 Best Solar Companies in Oak Forest, IL (2023 Reviews)

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Oak Forest

For most homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system boils down to the cost. Some significant things that impact the cost and possible savings include:

• System size and type: Some models are more costly 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.
• Your energy bills: This will affect your savings. In Oak Forest, the average resident can save about $900 a year on their electricity bills.
• The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Because of Oak Forest's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
• Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.

There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

Solar Incentives in Oak Forest

There are a lot of reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, see our our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Oak Forest

Lots of people want to do their part for the environment, which often is the primary reason they're interested in installing a solar system. You may be curious — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? One thing that can severely affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive overall. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can significantly reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll no doubt find that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.