15 Best Solar Companies in Wilmette, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Wilmette based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Wilmette, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Wilmette homeowner saves $1,207/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Wilmette
Do you want energy freedom in Wilmette? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since there are a lot of benefits when you switch to solar power. While solar power is a large investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $14,000 over 20 years.
If you want to make use of the many benefits of solar, we'll help you narrow down your options to find the Wilmette solar installer that's perfect for you. Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or connect with a vetted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Wilmette
SunPower by Sun N Us
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Free Quotes - Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
YellowLite
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Atlas Solar Advisors
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
SolarWerks Solar Panel Installer LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
SolarWerks, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
GoSolar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
93Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Verde Solutions LLC
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Windfree Solar Co
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
Fresh Coast Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Home installations
FreeWorld Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Home installations
RxSun
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Wilmette
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Wilmette 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 Wilmette
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 Wilmette
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to choose comes down to prices. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Your household's power bills: Based on the high monthly power bills in Wilmette, you could save about $960 a year with solar.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for 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 30% of your total installation cost, your 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 $14,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can make.
Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Wilmette
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make solar power more financially viable and accessible. When you install a solar panel system on your home, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Wilmette
There are lots of reasons to switch to solar power, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Wilmette, though. A significant thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be larger, so switching to solar power for your house can help offset that. Though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Wilmette, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar power is renewable and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Wilmette, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Wilmette?
The top local solar company in Wilmette is ilumen Solar, with a rating of 4.01 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the best type 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 layout, how much you're willing to spend and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.