15 Best Solar Companies in Rockford, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Rockford based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Rockford, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Rockford homeowner saves $1,142/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rockford
Thinking of going solar but want to know which solar company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be hard to pick a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great benefits. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can greatly reduce your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top options in your area.We suggest shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Rockford, click the link 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 Rockford
Greenlink Energy Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Maintenance
Iconic Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
Agsun Corporation
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
ilumen Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Full-Service
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
Drews Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
All Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- EV Charger
- Residential Panels
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Full-Service
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Certasun
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Full Spectrum Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- EV Charger
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Reficiency Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- EV Charger
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Midwest Solar Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- EV Charger
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Solar Brite Ltd
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rockford
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rockford 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 Rockford
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 Rockford
Although solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- How much power your household needs: If your family uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from going solar.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
If you're interested in finding out how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Rockford, IL.
{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Rockford
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local programs, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rockford
There are a few key reasons why many people are interested in solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? The EPA reports that electricity production is the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help lower that statistic in a city like Rockford that generates a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In Rockford, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Rockford, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Rockford?
The highest-rated local solar company in Rockford is Greenlink Energy Solutions, with a rating of 4.90 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of 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.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How efficient are solar panels?
For the most part, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.