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 Blue Island, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in Blue Island.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Blue Island or pick an established national brand.
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that moving to solar energy lets Blue Island homeowners to save about $900 per year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Search for Blue Island solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Blue Island, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for adopting solar power:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the typical price to install solar panels in Blue Island is $16,818.
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Blue Island, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens 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
Homeowners in Blue Island can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all Illinois residents, and others differ by your utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible 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 reflect on these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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.
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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