16 Best Solar Companies in South Ottawa, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in South Ottawa based on:

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

Average South Ottawa homeowner saves $1,165/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 South Ottawa

If you're looking for the best solar companies in South Ottawa, digging through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great perks. Because South Ottawa has a great capacity for solar energy generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a vetted solar company near you right away 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 South Ottawa

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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Read full review

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 Warranty Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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

Read full review

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
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CF Solar Power

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

Website: https://cfsolar.org/
Address: Sandwich, IL 60548
Phone: 8155705596
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Independence Renewable Energy, LLC

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

Website: http://www.iresolar.com/
Address: Sandwich, IL 60548
Phone: 8154141788
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

100 Amps, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://100ampsil.com/
Address: Princeton, IL 61356
Phone: 8155039448
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Service Solutions LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://solarservicesolutionsllc.com/
Address: Minooka, IL 60447
Phone: 8155032021
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Joe's Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.solarjoesinc.com/
Address: Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: 8154831291
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ABC Utilities

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

Website: https://www.abcutilities.com/contact
Address: Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 7075845504
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Summit Solar

  • 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 Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.mysummitsolar.com/illinois
Address: Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: 8642500026
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wesco Distribution Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.wesco.com/
Address: Rockdale, IL 60436
Phone: 8157253900
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Best Solar Lighting

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.bestsolarlighting.com/pages/contact-info
Address: Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 6306213515
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Safeguard Solar LLC

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

Website: https://www.safeguardsolarllc.com/
Address: Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: 3312260866

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in South Ottawa

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in South Ottawa 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 South Ottawa


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 South Ottawa

We know that for many homeowners, the choice to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • The cost of energy for you: If your local utility rates are high, there's a good chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In South Ottawa, you can save an average of $78 a month on your electricity bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be too steep of an investment for families that don't consume a lot of energy each month.
  • The kind of solar panels you have the money for: This is dependent on what your budget is.

So is a solar system worth it? Whether you want to lower your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many South Ottawa homeowners.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Adopting solar energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for South Ottawa, 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
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.

Solar Incentives in South Ottawa

If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, various government incentives and subsidies can greatly bring down your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of your project costs when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in South Ottawa

Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful effect on the environment. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually help the environment? In South Ottawa, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a significant impact on the Earth since solar power has a lower carbon footprint. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The perks of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many South Ottawa residents have been happy with using solar energy.

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 South Ottawa, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best near me?

The highest-rated local solar company in South Ottawa is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are some of the major pros and cons of installing solar panels?

A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's eco-friendly, and it provides a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 13.1 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

When should I install solar panels?

You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.

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.