14 Best Solar Companies in Rockford, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Rockford based on:

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

Average Rockford homeowner saves $1,142/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Rockford

If you're looking for the best solar companies in Rockford, going through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many fantastic benefits. Since Rockford is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.

Here, we'll list out some of the top solar companies in Rockford to make your choice a little bit easier. To help you understand if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Rockford 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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Rockford

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Solar Financing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

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Blue Raven Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Doesn't offer solar batteries

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://blueravensolar.com/
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

ilumen Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

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Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Iconic Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://iconicnrg.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 8159758303
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greenlink Energy Solutions

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.usgreenlink.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 7792106260
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wanxiang New Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.wanxiang.com/
Address: Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 8152260884
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GreenCastle Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.castleexteriors.net/
Address: Loves Park, IL 61111
Phone: 8775124207
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

TruHome Pros Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.truhome-pros.com/illinois/rockford/
Address: Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: 7798042024
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EcoHome Expert, Inc.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://ecohomeexpert.com/
Address: Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: 8155441100
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rock Energy Cooperative

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.rock.coop/
Address: South Beloit, IL 61080
Phone: 8667524550

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

While solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, it's necessary to consider the upfront costs. Some significant things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:

  • The make and model of solar panels you're thinking of getting: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
  • Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your energy bills, which can give you an average of $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • How much energy costs for you: If your local power rates are high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Rockford, you can save an average of $78 a month on your electricity bills.
  • How much energy your home consumes: Households that consume lots of energy each month may call for more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.

Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your house and incentives.

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Solar Incentives in Rockford

Because solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. These incentives mostly include cash rebates, tax credits and/or performance-based incentives. They can cut how much you end up spending on installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Rockford.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rockford

There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. Something many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to keep in mind. The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your impact when you go solar. While solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Rockford, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar power is abundant and makes electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the environment.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Rockford, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Rockford, WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

What are some of the major pros and cons of adopting solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it provides a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?

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 range of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.