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

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

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

Average Vernon homeowner saves $1,144/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 Vernon

Hoping to go solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be best for your needs? Although it can be hard to choose a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many good perks. While solar power is a large investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $14,000 over 20 years.

If you're planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in Vernon and compare quotes. The great news is we went ahead and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Vernon solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.

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 Vernon

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

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 Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

ilumen Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 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://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Best Warranty Coverage
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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
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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
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
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Certasun

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

Website: https://certasun.com/
Address: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 3126380800
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Smart Sky Solar

  • 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 Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.smartskysolar.com/
Address: Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Phone: 2246228336
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables North Chicago

  • 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 Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://greentechrenewables.com/
Address: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 8475490300
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Renewable Energy Evolution

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://renewableenergyevolution.com/
Address: Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: 4144990799
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Panels Northbrook

  • 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 Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://solar-panels-northbrook.business.site/
Address: Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 8472629857
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation

  • 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
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://solarpanelshighlandpark.com/
Address: Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 2247079003
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Maxim Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Home installations

Website: http://maximsolar.com/
Address: Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone: 3125227155

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Vernon

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Vernon 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 Vernon


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 Vernon

For many people, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on prices. Some significant things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:

  • The model of solar panels you can buy: This is dependent on what your budget is.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Vernon uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets lots of sunlight.

So are solar panels worth it? Whether you're trying to reduce your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Vernon homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Vernon

Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than burning fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Vernon

One reason so many consider switching to solar power is to help bring down their environmental impact. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? Regardless of your location, you can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume a lot of energy will have a greater impact. After you go solar, your carbon emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is renewable and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.

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 Vernon, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar installer in Vernon?

The best local solar company in Vernon is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

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

Solar panel capacity is rated based on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house 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.