Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Winfield, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Winfield.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Winfield or pick a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels call for a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Winfield homeowners to save $1,000 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Search for Winfield solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Winfield, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Winfield, solar panel installation costs around $17,196, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
In Winfield, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Winfield. Various programs are applicable to all Illinois residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available to Illinois residents, as listed by DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems | Varies |
Rebate Program ComEd - Energy Efficiency Program for Residential | Appliances Air Purifier: $50 Clothes Washer: $50 Dehumidifier: $50 Electric Clothes Dryer: $50 Freezer: $50 Refrigerator: $50 Room Air Conditioner: $25 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: Free pickup and $50, plus an additional $10 if recycling a room A/C at the same time Heating & Cooling Air Source Heat Pump: $400 - $600 Central A/C: $300 - $600 Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $400 Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $6,000/home Furnace Blower Motor (ECM): $50 - $100 Miscellaneous Advanced Power Strip: $10 Air Sealing: Up to $400/home Attic Insulation: Up to $300/home Duct Sealing: Up to $500/home Lighting: In-store discounts, varies Pool Pump: $275 Smart Thermostat: $100 Wall Insulation: Up to $400/home |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Credits | Negotiated with procurement administrators |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, go over these key considerations.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must get proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Several solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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