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 Calumet City, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Calumet City.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can go with a local Calumet City solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Calumet City homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Different solar companies provide different products. Be sure to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Calumet City solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Calumet City, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to consider solar are:
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Calumet City is $16,818.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Homeowners in Calumet City who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Calumet City homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are provided statewide to all Illinois residents, while others differ based on utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives to Illinois homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
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. |
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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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