10 best solar companies in Buffalo Grove, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Buffalo Grove.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in Buffalo Grove or opt for 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) indicates that transitioning to solar energy allows Buffalo Grove homeowners to save an average of $900 every year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Buffalo Grove
Focus on Buffalo Grove solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of mutiple bad reviews.
Certasun
Services Offered
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
Services Offered
Nelnet Renewable Energy
Services Offered
Kapital Electric, Inc.
Services Offered
ilumen Solar
Services Offered
Greentech Renewables North Chicago
Services Offered
Smart Sky Solar
Services Offered
TruHome Pros Solar
Services Offered
JD Pro Electric Inc
Services Offered
Windfree Solar Co
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Buffalo Grove?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Buffalo Grove, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise 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: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the best way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about Buffalo Grove
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 Buffalo Grove?
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select extras like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Drawing from data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Buffalo Grove typically costs $16,730.
How much can you save by going solar in Buffalo Grove?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Buffalo Grove from going solar
In Buffalo Grove, you can anticipate saving money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Buffalo Grove's standard solar payback period is 18 years.
- Annual solar savings in Buffalo Grove: Based on calculations that leverage data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA, Buffalo Grove homeowners save around $904 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $10,465 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Buffalo Grove from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 88 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Buffalo Grove?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Buffalo Grove homeowners. Various programs are available to all Illinois residents, though others vary by utility company, municipality and city.
Available 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Buffalo Grove solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
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 more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The addition of battery storage can increase the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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