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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Round Lake Beach, Illinois requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Round Lake Beach to help you find the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, screen the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in Round Lake Beach or pick a leading national brand.
Although solar panels need a big initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Round Lake Beach homeowners to save a yearly average of about $900.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Prior to arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
When researching Round Lake Beach solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Round Lake Beach, can still benefit from solar power. The major reasons to go solar are:
Based on 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 depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Round Lake Beach is $16,643.
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Homeowners in Round Lake Beach who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and variables 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
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Round Lake Beach homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all Illinois residents, though others vary by utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives for 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 think through these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, precipitation and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. Incorporating battery storage could raise the costs of setting up your system.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
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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