3 Best Solar Companies in Melrose, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Melrose based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Melrose, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Melrose homeowner saves $1,445/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
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Best Solar Companies in Melrose
If you’re a homeowner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Melrose, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to go with. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a great choice. While solar is a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $17,000 over 20 years.
If you want to take advantage of the great number of benefits of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the Melrose solar installer that’s right for you.If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the top Melrose solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Melrose
Sunspot Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
Red Barn Solar dba 1 Source Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
Sustainable Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Melrose
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Melrose 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 Melrose
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 Melrose
For many people, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on pricing.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your power bills, which can generate an average of $17,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Due to Melrose’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be a high-cost option for families that don’t consume a good amount of energy a month.
Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Melrose
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local incentives, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Melrose
Making the switch to solar power is a compelling way to do your part for a more eco-friendly future.Something many might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? The average person has a rather large carbon footprint. Between their car, which is responsible for over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and energy for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Using solar power is a practical thing you can do to help.After you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 100 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll most likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Melrose, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Melrose?
In Melrose, Sunspot Solar LLC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 14.6 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.