17 Best Solar Companies in Zion, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Zion based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Zion, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Zion homeowner saves $1,144/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Zion
When you're trying to find the best solar companies in Zion, sorting through so many options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many good benefits. While solar panels are a sizable 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 be looking at saving about $14,000 over 20 years.
To help you sort through the huge number of Zion solar installers, we've narrowed in on a list of the top ones. To get an idea of how much it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 Zion
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
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
Maxim Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
E-GSI Energy Glazed Systems Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Renewable Energy Evolution
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Werks LLC - Solar Panel Installation
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Smart Sky Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Certasun
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Panels Northbrook
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Brite Ltd
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Zion
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Zion 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 Zion
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 Zion
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your panels. Some main factors that determine the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- Your energy consumption: If your family uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you want 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 opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Zion gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. In addition, it can boost 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 Zion
Because solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Zion
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy. You may be wondering — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? The more energy your household uses, the better off the planet will be if you switch to solar as you won't have to use as much nonrenewable energy. In Zion, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll no doubt find that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 Zion, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Zion?
In Zion, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be bad 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. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun's energy into usable electricity.
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.