15 Best Solar Companies in Shields, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Shields based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Shields, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Shields homeowner saves $1,144/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Shields
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Shields? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can enjoy a lot of benefits when you switch to solar power. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Shields, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar installers in the country.
As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Shields, you’ll find that there are many providers to choose between. So, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Shields solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Shields
SunPower by Sun N Us
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
YellowLite
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Certasun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Smart Sky Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SolarW - Solar Panel Installer
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
ilumen Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Windfree Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
93Energy Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
RxSun
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Shields
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Shields 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 Shields
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 Shields
We understand that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar rests on installation costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- The make and model of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels cost more, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on energy bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- How much energy costs for you: The average family in Shields spends around $1,200 a year on power alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the angle of your roof and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Shields
Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than traditional energy sources, there are several government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money in return after installing solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can find in Shields.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Shields
There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar energy, like saving some money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.A question many might be thinking about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In Shields, where the energy generation can be rather dirty, going solar can have a big impact on the planet since solar power is an abundant source of clean energy.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Shields, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Shields?
The best local solar company in Shields is SunPower by Sun N Us, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.4 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.