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Best Solar Companies in Illinois

We compared 94 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.6(263)
    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,062)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
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    Written by Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
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    Edited by Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Illinois

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
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    See our top picks

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    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $10,000 to $30,000 or more. That’s a lot of money. Let’s make sure that your installation is reliable, efficient and suitable for the Prairie State’s climate.

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Read our full methodology for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,592,094 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Our top pick overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for solar leases: Sunrun
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      Blue Raven Solar
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.6
      263 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      Learn More Read Reviews

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We’ve talked to more than 200 Blue Raven customers all across the country — 95% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the price and technology.

      Customers in Illinois have provided positive reviews for Blue Raven Solar. They praise the company for its top-rated materials, fair pricing and quality installation.

      • “The Blue Raven crew were professional, focused and timely during our project. The planning was very impressive, the project management on point, the personal touch adored. The final result is a very happy customer. …” — William in Aurora, IL

      • “From the very beginning of my solar journey, Blue Raven Solar stood out among the myriad of companies I considered. What truly set them apart was not just their use of high-quality solar panels and Enphase micro inverters, but their flexible payment options and, most importantly, their exceptional customer service. … ” — Won in Hoffman Estates, IL

      • “All crew was excellent and the fact that they were bilingual was a plus. They were able to explain everything in Spanish for my husband. We felt very comfortable with this crew. I also love that their manager came the next day to check everything was good. …” — Marivel in Lansing, IL

      Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from Illinois customers. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system, from reviewers in other states.

      Blue Raven Solar offers a simple and affordable way to go solar. It has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments. The company has a location in Chicago.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus a roof penetration warranty. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer but are generally between 10 and 15 years. All systems come with a two-year production guarantee.

      You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven also has a unique in-house payment option: BluePower Plus+ combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership.

      This lets you go solar with no upfront costs — a good deal if you want the benefits of clean energy without making a big initial investment. Plus, you aren’t affected when electricity rates increase over time.

      Pros

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • Zero-down financing
      • Production guarantee
      • Referral cash bonus

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation
      Our pick for solar leases
      Sunrun
      Sunrun
      4.2
      3,062 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with great battery storage options. We really like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

      • “I have really enjoyed the solar panels from day one. My electric bill is so much friendlier to look at and the leasing program they offered me at the time is wonderful! For example, my electric bill in July of 2020 was over $100. My electric bill every July since has been less than $20, plus the monthly cost of leasing the panels that is still minimal compared to what I was paying for electric.” — Mike in Glendale Heights, IL

      • “Everything with Sunrun is going well. Their rep was very helpful and the whole thing went smoothly. The installers advised me on certain things, which really worked out for me. As far as my bill, I used to pay between $180 something to $200 and sometimes $300 and something, but right now, with what I pay to ComEd and what I pay to Sunrun, it's not even up to $100. I'm extremely satisfied. I've even introduced somebody to Sunrun, and they did the installation for her and she was really happy about it.” — Chukwuemeka in Des Plaines, IL

      Sunrun’s app could be better, according to Jeffrey in Lake in the Hills, Illinois. “I've seen other companies out there where their app shows you exactly how much each panel is pulling in power-wise. Theirs just tells you how much you have brought in each day and how much fossil fuels you saved. I care about it, but I don't care about it. I wanna know how much money I'm saving,” Jeffrey said.

      Others felt that Sunrun was not transparent about potential challenges, leading to unrealistic expectations. “The time frame of installing and getting the system up and running took two to three times as long as they promised,” M. in Chicago, Illinois, told us.

      Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Illinois. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      Sunrun services

      • Financing solutions
      • Battery storage solutions
      • Monitoring and maintenance
      • EV charging solutions

      Sunrun’s standard warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.

      You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options.

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then, you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      • Shorter warranty
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. We like that ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “The reps at ShopSolarKits were very knowledgeable. We called and asked a couple of questions. They steered us to what we would need versus what we wanted.” — G. in Darien, IL

      • “... Superior service and competitive pricing. ShopSolarKits exceeded my expectations in every way.” — Marilyn in Chicago, IL

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. So, it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment, but ShopSolar generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      Illinois solar panel buyers guide

      If you've been thinking about going solar in Illinois but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country, including hundreds from Illinois. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for.

      Key insights

      In Illinois, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,745 to $30,700, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal solar tax credit is the most significant way to lower the cost of buying solar panels. However, not everyone is eligible, and it doesn’t apply if you lease the equipment.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years.

      Jump to insight

      What to look for in a solar company in Illinois

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and solid warranties. Here are some for hiring the right company for you.

      Check certifications

      Illinois requires all solar installation companies to have a Distributed Generation Installer Certification from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) or work with a certified subcontractor. Use the ICC database to verify an installer’s license.

      The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has a list of certified installers and vendors for residents to select from. These member vendors commit to ISEA’s professional codes. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the NABCEP, considered the gold standard certification for solar installers.

      Read reviews

      Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Illinois. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.

      Ask questions

      Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in Illinois. Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in Illinois?

      Average solar panel costs in Illinois typically range from $10,745 to $30,700. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and whether or not you need a storage battery.

      Solar storage batteries sometimes cost as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. However, a battery is a must if you want real energy independence and is essential if you go off-grid.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Illinois, the average cost per watt is $3.07.

      Average solar panel installation cost by system size in Illinois

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront interest charges.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. Illinois also has legalized power purchase agreements, which work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell since a new buyer will have to take over the agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Illinois

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      Illinois has additional statewide and local incentives to support the state’s renewable energy goals, including Illinois Solar for All and Chicago’s Green Recovery Agenda.

      » EXPLORE: Illinois solar incentives, tax credits and rebates

      Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?

      Based on feedback from hundreds of residents who have already gone solar, the general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Illinois.

      There's no reason not to have it, according to Jeffrey in Lake in the Hills, Illinois. “My electricity bills are way lower. It is nothing except for what ComEd charges for their incoming fee,” he told us.

      “I think solar is a great way to go, helps create clean energy and protects the earth (and) also bring down the cost of electricity,” Wardell in Chicago, Illinois, said. “We need to get ahead of climate change and clean energy is a great way to start.”

      But it doesn’t work out for everybody. Jonathan in Winnebago, Illinois, was overall satisfied with his solar installation. “However, looking back on it, I'm not sure that I would do it again. I don't see any savings of anything substantial on our electric bill when the year is all said and done,” he told us. “The entire community gets a break on the electricity 'cause the city went with a deal. Now that we're locked in with solar, we don't have access to that.”

      The installation costs are usually worth it when you consider the long-term savings on utility bills and ecological benefits. On average, homeowners can avoid $48,565 in total utility costs over 25 years. Your return on investment also depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      We need to get ahead of climate change and clean energy is a great way to start.”
      — Wardell in Chicago

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Use the National 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.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Can I get free solar panels in Illinois?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Illinois. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process.

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      How does net metering work in Illinois?

      In Illinois, homeowners who generate solar energy can earn renewable energy certificates (RECs) through net metering. You can earn certificates for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. Net metering also lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. Earned certificates help offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Illinois. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top solar company picks are:

      1. Blue Raven Solar: Our top pick overall
      2. Sunrun: Our pick for solar leases
      3. ShopSolar: Our pick for DIY projects

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Illinois Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Illinois.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Illinois Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Illinois?” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.

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