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 Melrose Park, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Melrose Park.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Melrose Park or pick a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Melrose Park homeowners to save a yearly average of about $900.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Look for Melrose Park 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).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Melrose Park, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to go solar are:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Melrose Park typically costs $16,818.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
After moving completely to solar power, Melrose Park homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
A variety of solar incentives are available to Melrose Park homeowners. Various programs are available to all Illinois residents, whereas others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher 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 costs of setting up your system.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much 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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