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 Streamwood, Illinois requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Streamwood to help you find the right installer.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Streamwood or decide on an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy enables Streamwood homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Many solar companies offer different products. Be sure to review each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Look for Streamwood solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high 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.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Streamwood, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the mean cost to install solar panels in Streamwood is $16,818.
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Streamwood homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Streamwood homeowners. Some programs are open to all Illinois residents, though others change by municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for 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. |
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery enables 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 could raise the overall installation cost.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area 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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