9 Best Solar Companies in Tolono, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Tolono based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Tolono, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Tolono homeowner saves $1,281/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Tolono
Hoping to go solar but trying to figure out which company would be best for you? Although it can be hard to find a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. One of the main reasons why many homeowners want to switching to solar energy is because it can greatly reduce your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
In this article, we’ll help you find the top options in your area.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Tolono solar installer.
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 Tolono
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Financing Assistance
New Prairie Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
Harvest Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
SunSent Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Accutek Solar
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
One Planet Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Tolono
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Tolono 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 Tolono
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 Tolono
We get that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar rests on installation costs.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some important factors such as:
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Thanks to Tolono’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 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. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $15,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be too pricey an option for homes that don’t use a lot of energy each month.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Tolono
Although installing solar panels is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels because of reduced energy bills and government incentives.When you install solar panels, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there are often some regional incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. For comprehensive information about local incentives, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Tolono
One of the best reasons to switch to solar power is to minimize your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? One thing you should consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Although solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Tolono, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help 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 Tolono, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Tolono?
The top local solar company in Tolono is SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 16.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster 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 faster 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.