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

Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,109/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

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 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

★★★★★
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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by Sun N Us

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.sunpowerbysunnus.com/
Address: 1400 E Touhy Ave Unit 255, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 8337866878
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Midwest Solutions Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.midwestsolutions.info/
Address: 372 North Ave, Antioch, IL 60002
Phone: 8887514511
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Brite Ltd

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://solarbrite.net/
Address: 3613 SE Overton Dr, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 8474178154
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

ilumen Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: 4 N Hillview Dr C, Lake Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Certasun

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://certasun.com/
Address: 1582 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 3126380800
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Nelnet Renewable Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.nelnetenergy.com/
Address: 230 N Hicks Pl, Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: 8882025630
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://phoenixexteriors.com/
Address: 1066 National Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 6309988140
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Kapital Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.kapitalelectric.com/
Address: 1270 Mark St, Bensenville, IL 60106
Phone: 6308332389
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Smart Sky Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.smartskysolar.com/
Address: 250 Parkway Dr Ste 150, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Phone: 2242190544
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Greenlink Energy Solutions

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Energy Efficiency Audit
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://usgreenlink.com/
Address: 3020 Forest View Rd, Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 7792566049
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables North Chicago

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://greentechrenewables.com/
Address: 1305 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 8475490300
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

JD Pro Electric Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.jdproelectric.com/
Address: 9230 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
Phone: 8479162052
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Arch Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://archelec.com/
Address: 1553 S 38th St Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: 4144442724
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Iconic Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://iconicnrg.com/
Address: 4617 American Rd, Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 8159758303
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Illinois Solar Express, LLC

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://illinoissolarexpress.com/
Address: 1 Mid America Plaza 3rd Floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 7738767676

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

★★★★★
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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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.