12 Best Solar Companies in Riverwoods, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Riverwoods based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Riverwoods, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Riverwoods homeowner saves $1,144/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Riverwoods
If you're a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Riverwoods, it can be difficult to narrow down which company to decide on. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a fantastic idea. Since Riverwoods is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.
Here, we'll narrow down some of the best solar companies in Riverwoods to make your choice a little easier. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Riverwoods solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Riverwoods
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
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
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
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
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Smart Sky Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Certasun
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Solar Panels Northbrook
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Riverwoods
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Riverwoods 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 Riverwoods
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 Riverwoods
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your system. There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Thanks to Riverwoods' high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- The kind of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more costly, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. In addition, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local electricity rates are high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Riverwoods, you can save an average of $75 a month on your electricity bills.
There are lots of wonderful benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Additionally, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Riverwoods
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you much money in the long term due to reduced power bills and government incentives. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Riverwoods
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a profound way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? If your family uses lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Riverwoods, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other rewards beyond saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet 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 Riverwoods, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Riverwoods?
In Riverwoods, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 13.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them for your home's energy needs.
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.