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 Frankfort, Illinois, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar panel companies in Frankfort.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can go with a local Frankfort solar company or select an established national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy enables Frankfort homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Focus your search on Frankfort 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 high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Frankfort, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you select any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Frankfort, solar panel installation costs an average of $16,997, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Homeowners in Frankfort who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things 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, moving to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Frankfort. Specific programs are applicable to all Illinois residents, while others are determined by your utility company, city and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to Illinois residents:
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 consider these questions prior to hiring a professional 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 typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could influence your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, precipitation and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Several solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be crucial for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed 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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