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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Belvidere, Illinois, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Belvidere to help you choose the right one.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for you. You can choose a local Belvidere solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy allows Belvidere homeowners to save about $950 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Look for Belvidere 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Belvidere, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar are:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Belvidere has an average cost of $17,201.
While installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the long term.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Belvidere homeowners typically 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.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy lowers 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
Several solar incentives are available to Belvidere homeowners. Certain programs are available to all Illinois residents, whereas others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
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. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these important questions.
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. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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.
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