15 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Richmond based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Richmond, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,109/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Richmond homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be too much to get a handle on, but we’re here to make adopting solar energy easier. With high levels of average daily sunlight in Richmond, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An overlooked reason for this growth has been Illinois' statewide incentives that encourage residential and commercial solar panel installation.
To help you comb through the large variety of Richmond solar installers, we’ve narrowed in on a list of the top ones.To help you find out 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 Richmond 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richmond
SunPower by Sun N Us
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
Solar Brite Ltd
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Residential Panels
ilumen Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
Certasun
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- EV Charger
- Full-Service
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Full-Service
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- EV Charger
- Tesla Powerwall
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
Smart Sky Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
Greenlink Energy Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- EV Charger
- Residential Panels
Arch Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
Iconic Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
For many people, the decision of which solar company to hire comes down to prices.There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you choose 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 space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Richmond uses a decent amount of, and consequently may save on their energy bills.
Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the angle of your roof and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time due to smaller utility bills and government incentives.In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local programs, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
There are tons of reasons to switch to solar power, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.Something many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? Something that can dramatically shape your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive generally. If you switch to solar power and have an electric car, you can vastly reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Although solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Richmond, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll no doubt understand that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Richmond, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Richmond?
In Richmond, SunPower by Sun N Us is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.