10 best solar companies in Lake Villa, Illinois
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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Lake Villa, Illinois, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Lake Villa to help you choose the right one.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Lake Villa or pick an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that changing to solar energy allows Lake Villa homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Lake Villa
Focus on Lake Villa solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Midwest Solutions Inc
Services Offered
Certasun
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ilumen Solar
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Nelnet Renewable Energy
Services Offered
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
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Smart Sky Solar
Services Offered
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
Services Offered
Kapital Electric, Inc.
Services Offered
JD Pro Electric Inc
Services Offered
Windfree Solar Co
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Lake Villa?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Lake Villa, can still use solar power. The top reasons to go solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar lets you decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Lake Villa
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Villa?
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Lake Villa, solar panel installation costs approximately $16,643, according to data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Lake Villa?
Although installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Lake Villa from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, Lake Villa homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Lake Villa's average payback period for solar is 18 years.
- Annual solar savings in Lake Villa: Homeowners in Lake Villa typically save an average of $904 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $10,528 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Lake Villa from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Lake Villa?
Homeowners in Lake Villa can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Illinois residents, and others are based on your municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Illinois residents, according to 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Lake Villa solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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