15 Best Solar Companies in Wheeling, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Wheeling based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Wheeling, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Wheeling homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Wheeling
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Wheeling, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to go with. But, it's worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a good idea. While solar panels are a great investment, you'll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $13,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can change significantly according to your home's infrastructure and your household energy needs. To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Wheeling, click the "get quote" button below.
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 Wheeling
Average Cost
SunPower
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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
ilumen Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
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
GoSolar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Solar Energy of Illinois
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Chicago Solar Experts
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
GRNE Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Professional reinstallation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Illinois Solar Energy Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Illinois Solar Energy Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Certasun
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Wheeling
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Wheeling 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 Wheeling
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 Wheeling
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on energy bills over time, it's important to consider the startup costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your utility bills, which can lead to an average of $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your energy bills: This will influence how much money you might save. In Wheeling, the average resident can save about $900 a year on their electricity bills.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Wheeling gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the angle of your roof and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Wheeling
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Wheeling.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Wheeling
Making the switch to solar power is a profound way to do your part for a more sustainable future. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by using solar power? The more power your household uses, the the more the environment will benefit from you switching to solar as you won't have to burn as many fossil fuels. Although solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Wheeling, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar power is renewable and generates electricity without a carbon footprint, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help 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 Wheeling, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Wheeling?
The highest-rated local solar company in Wheeling is SunRise Solar Attic Fans, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's a sustainable source of energy, and it can give you a significant 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 can be an eyesore.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and desired energy output.
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.