15 Best Solar Companies in Winnebago, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Winnebago based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Winnebago, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Winnebago homeowner saves $1,179/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Winnebago
When you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Winnebago, going through hundreds of options can be overwhelming, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great benefits. Since the cost of energy is getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are considering switching to solar to save money on electricity for their homes.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in Winnebago and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and made a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you.We suggest shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from trusted solar installers in Winnebago, click the link 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 Winnebago
Greenlink Energy Solutions
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Iconic Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Agsun Corporation
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
ilumen Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Drews Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
All Energy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Full Spectrum Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Midwest Solar Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Bright Skies Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Independence Renewable Energy, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Synergy Renewable Systems, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Arch Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Winnebago
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Winnebago 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 Winnebago
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 Winnebago
For many people, the decision of which solar company to hire depends on how much it’ll cost.There are several factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Because of Winnebago’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local energy rates are high, there's a better chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Winnebago, you can save an average of $1,156 a month on your electricity bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Your energy consumption: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the planet.
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Solar Incentives in Winnebago
If you’re planning on making the switch to solar power, several government incentives and solar rebates can immensely bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment.State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Winnebago
One of the best reasons to tap into solar power is to decrease your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are hazardous for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Winnebago, though. Switching to solar power is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.While making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Winnebago, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar energy is plentiful and generates electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Winnebago, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Winnebago is Greenlink Energy Solutions, with a rating of 4.90 stars.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle 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.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 17.9 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.