Best Solar Companies in Chicago

In our experience, the best solar companies have a few things in common: local experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are our tips to verify solar companies. The City of Chicago’s Solar Contractor Checklist is another great resource.

1. Read reviews

Look at solar company reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

• Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
• Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
• Billing and contract issues

Local experience matters, too. Companies with a long track record of installing solar panels in Chicago are better at navigating the local regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

2. Check credentials

Use the Illinois Commerce Commission database to verify a company’s state-required Distributed Generation Installer certification. The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) also has a list of certified installers and vendors that meet certain standards for professional conduct. Confirm your installer also has:

• Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
• NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

3. Ask questions

Consider whether you want an electric vehicle (EV) charger, critter guards or a solar storage battery.

Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.

Other important questions to ask early on:

• How long will the installation take from start to finish?
• Do you handle permitting and utility interconnection?
• What’s the warranty on the solar panels, inverter and labor?
• Who do I contact if there’s a problem after installation?
• Do you offer system monitoring, and how can I track my energy production?

4. Compare quotes

Get at least three solar quotes to compare prices, equipment, warranties and services. Be cautious of unusually low bids. This may signal poor-quality panels, hidden fees or weak warranty coverage.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, typically between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Illinois, the average cost per watt is $2.81.

“Cost per watt” is similar to the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

5. Read the fine print

The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees. 

If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — get clarification.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances before going solar. A more eco-friendly water heater, refrigerator or clothes dryer reduces how much electricity your household needs. That means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

» MORE: How to get the best solar quotes

As of publishing, going solar in Chicago tends to be a little cheaper than in the rest of the state. Average solar panel costs in Illinois typically range between $9,849 and $28,139, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. A typical Illinois household needs a system with a capacity of 7.3 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. You might need a smaller or larger system, depending on your household energy usage.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Chicago

Solar panels are generally worth it in Illinois if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

Think of going solar in terms of your monthly expenses. Given rising energy costs in Chicago and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

But it doesn’t work out for everyone. Use the Nation Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. On average, homeowners with solar panels can avoid $57,382 in total utility costs over 25 years.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

• Solar loans: Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Leasing options: Solar leases can be good if you have limited savings. Basically, you get to use the panels but don’t own them. Agreements typically last 20 to 25 years.
• Power purchase agreements: Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment. PPAs are available through the Illinois Shines program. However, this option could lead to higher-than-expected costs over time, according to this sample disclosure form.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

On the bright side, several Illinois solar incentives help support the state’s goal to generate 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, with solar contributing 6%. Recent legislation increased this target to 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

What to know about net metering in Chicago

Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity.

You also earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

In Chicago, ComEd, Ameren and MidAmerican Energy customers can benefit from net metering.