16 Best Solar Companies in University Park, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in University Park based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for University Park, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average University Park homeowner saves $1,126/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in University Park
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in University Park. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, University Park has a good amount of solar growth, so several of the best solar companies in the country have opened up there to help residents switch over to renewable energy.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area. Interested in seeing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top University Park solar installer.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in University Park
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Selenium Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
YellowLite
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Leading Solar Solutions
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
INCARE Wind and Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
B.T. Electric Inc
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
SunRise Solar Attic Fans
- Family-Operated Business
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Millennium Solar Electric Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Greentech Renewables Chicago
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Tron Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Enterprises USA
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in University Park
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in University Park 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 University Park
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 University Park
Although solar panels can save you a good amount of money on energy over time, it's important to know the upfront costs. A few important factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- 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 generate an average of $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The type of solar panels you can purchase: This depends on your income and budget.
- Your household's power bills: With high monthly electric bills in University Park, you could save about $900 a year with solar.
- How much power your home consumes: Homes that need lots of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more costly, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Adopting a renewable source of energy can greatly impact both the environment and your bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for University Park, 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. 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 University Park
If you're considering making the switch to solar power, several government incentives and tax credits can immensely reduce the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 30% of your project costs on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. For comprehensive information about incentives for homeowners in University Park, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in University Park
One of the most compelling reasons to tap into solar energy is to cut your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in University Park, though. No matter where you are, you can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have a greater impact. In University Park, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. Since solar energy is renewable and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's University Park, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in University Park?
In University Park, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.
What are the pros and cons of 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 work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.