14 Best Solar Companies in Winnetka, IL (Jan 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Winnetka based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
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Best solar companies in Winnetka
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Winnetka. While solar is a great investment, you'll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $15,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Winnetka solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's sustainable energy needs. To get an idea of how much it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Winnetka
Local Service
SunRise Solar Attic Fans
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Current Electric Co.
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Elevated Solar and Electric
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Earth Wind & Solar Energy LLC
- Locally owned and operated
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Fresh Coast Solar, LLC
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
FreeWorld Solar
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Certasun
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Has an online quote form
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Safeguard Solar LLC
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Speedy and efficient installations
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Brighter Concepts Ltd - Solatube, RediLights, Indow Windows
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
myenergyconsultant.com
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Service Solar Solutions
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
Local Service
Dominion Lighting & Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Winnetka
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. Some key things that impact how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $15,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- average energy usage: The more electricity your home uses on average and the steeper your current electricity bills are, the more benefits you'll see from switching to solar.
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly 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.
Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.
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If you're interested in finding out what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Winnetka, IL.
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Solar Incentives in Winnetka
There are a lot of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also potentially use the ITC with other local incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Winnetka
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a great way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? One thing that can severely shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive altogether. If you go solar and drive an electric car, you can significantly decrease your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In Winnetka, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. For those who are concerned 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch's Winnetka, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Winnetka?
In Winnetka, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's eco-friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 12.4 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof 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.