15 Best Solar Companies in Thornton, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Thornton based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Thornton, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Thornton homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Thornton
Looking for the best solar companies in Thornton? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Fortunately, Thornton residents have tons of the best solar companies in the country, which offer exceptional value for generating green energy.
As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Thornton, you might realize that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we’ve organized a curated list of the top solar companies in the area.For an idea of how much you might have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Thornton by clicking the "get quote" 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 Thornton
SunPower by Sun N Us
Clear Pricing Policy- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
YellowLite
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Chicago
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
FreeWorld Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
B.T. Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
RxSun
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Windfree Solar Co
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Reficiency Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Summit Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Windy City Solar Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Thornton
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Thornton 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 Thornton
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 Thornton
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Your income and budget: This determines what type of solar panels you can purchase.
- 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 federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Thornton gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Your energy consumption: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
There are several good benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Thornton
Adopting solar power has a lot of great benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Thornton.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Thornton
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.You may be trying to figure out – how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? A significant thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be greater, so adopting solar power for your home can help offset that.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Thornton, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Thornton?
In Thornton, 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 house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 18.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.