15 Best Solar Companies in Chicago Ridge, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chicago Ridge based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Chicago Ridge, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chicago Ridge homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chicago Ridge
When choosing between the best solar companies, Chicago Ridge homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make switching to solar energy that much easier. While solar is a large investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $13,000 over 20 years.
If you want to start making use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Chicago Ridge solar installer that’s the right price for you.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chicago Ridge
SunPower by Sun N Us
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
YellowLite
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
FreeWorld Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- EV Charger
RxSun
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- EV Charger
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
Windy City Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Residential Panels
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Windfree Solar Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
Unity Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
SolarShift
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- EV Charger
- Tesla Powerwall
Summit Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chicago Ridge
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chicago Ridge based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chicago Ridge
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chicago Ridge
For many people, the decision of which solar installer to go with comes down to prices.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: This, along with how your roof is set up, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- The kind of solar panels you want to get: More efficient models are more expensive, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- average energy usage: The more energy your home uses on average and the greater your current power bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
As a result of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Chicago Ridge
To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make switching to solar power more affordable and accessible.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of your project costs on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can find in Chicago Ridge.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chicago Ridge
One reason so many are considering installing solar panels is to help bring down their environmental impact.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels do for the planet anyway? For homeowners who want to do their part for the planet, going solar is a straightforward choice, especially since Chicago Ridge produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In Chicago Ridge, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. For homeowners who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Chicago Ridge, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Chicago Ridge?
In Chicago Ridge, SunPower by Sun N Us is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of switching to solar?
The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and lower your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.6 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.