15 Best Solar Companies in West Chicago, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in West Chicago based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for West Chicago, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average West Chicago homeowner saves $1,406/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in West Chicago
On the hunt for the top solar companies in West Chicago? Installing solar panels is an exciting venture that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. One of the main reasons why many homeowners are thinking about switching to solar energy is because it can greatly lower your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the best options in your area.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in West Chicago, click the "get quote" button below.
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 West Chicago
SunPower by Sun N Us
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
YellowLite
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- EV Charger
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Full-Service
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- EV Charger
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
Safeguard Solar LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- EV Charger
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Maintenance
- EV Charger
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Vantage Home Solar Illinois
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
ilumen Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
TruHome Pros Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Full-Service
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Unity Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
GoSolar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
Greencore Solar, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in West Chicago
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in West Chicago 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 West Chicago
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 West Chicago
The cost of putting up solar panels has gone down immensely in the past few years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost investment for families that don’t use too much energy per month.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your total installation cost, your 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 $17,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to West Chicago’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- The kind of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Some are more expensive, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
There are lots of great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in West Chicago
Because solar power is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage its adoption.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of your project costs on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. For comprehensive information about local incentives, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in West Chicago
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your carbon dioxide emissions.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in West Chicago, though. As reported by the EPA, electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that number in a city like West Chicago that accounts for a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 West Chicago, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The top local solar company in West Chicago is SunPower by Sun N Us, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.0 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.