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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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Calumet City. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Calumet City, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best possible installer, we've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Calumet City.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Calumet City or use an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy allows Calumet City homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Vet Calumet City solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Below are solar installation companies that provide decent coverage but fell short of top scores in our rating system. We recommend these only for specific coverage needs.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Calumet City, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally 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 increases if you select any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Calumet City is $16,818.
While solar panel installation can be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Calumet City, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Calumet City can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all Illinois residents, and others differ by your city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives offered to Illinois residents, as listed by DSIRE.
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 panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Trees, rain conditions and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken 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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