15 Best Solar Companies in River Forest, IL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in River Forest based on:

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

Average River Forest homeowner saves $1,132/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 River Forest

If you’re a homeowner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in River Forest, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to choose. But, it's worth it since adopting solar energy is typically a good choice. Fortunately, there are lots of solar companies in River Forest as a result of encouraging leadership and a growing renewable energy market.


Here, we’ll list out some of the top solar companies in River Forest to make your choice a little bit easier.Interested in seeing how much it’d cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated River Forest solar installer.

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 River Forest

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by Sun N Us

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • 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

3.0/5

YellowLite

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • 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 Residential Panels

Website: https://yellowlitechicago.business.site/
Address: 9981 W 190th Pl Unit K-1, Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: 8004908726
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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon EV Charger

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

5.0/5

FreeWorld Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.freeworldrenewables.com/
Address: 1212 N Ashland Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 3125857761
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Illinois Solar Express, LLC

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

RxSun

  • 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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://rxsun.com/
Address: 2211 N Elston Ave Suite 208, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 8006079786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Windfree Solar Co

  • 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://www.windfree.us/
Address: 5022 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 3125886953
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://aileysolar.com/
Address: 1965 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: 7734921294
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Kapital Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.6/5

WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy Efficiency Audit
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.windsoleil.com/
Address: 401 N Trumbull Ave # D, Chicago, IL 60624
Phone: 2243074057
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

93Energy Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://www.93energy.com/
Address: 4517 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 7737912070
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Atlas Solar Advisors

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://atlassolaradvisors.com/
Address: 3152 W Devon Ave STE 2D, Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: 8477737555
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Reficiency Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://reficiency.com/
Address: 4513 Lincoln Ave # 110, Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: 6307800951
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Windy City Solar Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.windycitysolargroup.com/
Address: 1546 Cuyler Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
Phone: 7087378114
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://solarwerksllc.com/
Address: 3433 N Pontiac Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Phone: 8884129040

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in River Forest

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in River Forest 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 River Forest


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 River Forest

The cost of installing solar panels has dropped significantly in the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.Some main factors that affect the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be a high-cost investment for homes that don’t consume a good amount of energy each month.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • Your household's power bills: Based on the high monthly energy bills in River Forest, you could save about $1,200 a year with solar.

Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.

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Solar Incentives in River Forest

In an effort to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economically viable and accessible.In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local incentives, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in River Forest

Switching to solar energy can have a positive effect on the environment.You may be trying to figure out – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? The EPA reports that electricity generation is the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy can help lower that statistic in a city like River Forest that produces a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In River Forest, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other perks besides saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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 River Forest, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best in River Forest?

In River Forest, 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 add solar panels to your roof.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?

The advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, in some cases, 100% eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings 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 buying solar panels?

Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 18.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

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 the layout of your roof, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.