15 Best Solar Companies in University Park, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in University Park based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for University Park, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average University Park homeowner saves $1,126/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in University Park
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, University Park homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar power easier. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your bank account will thank you too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in University Park, you might realize that there are a great number of providers to choose between. So, we’ve accumulated an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area.To get an estimate of what it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 University Park
SunPower by Sun N Us
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
YellowLite
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
B.T. Electric Inc
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Summit Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- 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.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Illinois Solar Express, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
FreeWorld Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Reficiency Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Solar Power Midwest LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- System Decommissioning
- Consultation
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
RxSun
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Windfree Solar Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
SolarShift
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in University Park
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in University Park 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 University Park
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 University Park
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your system.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Average daily sunlight: Since University Park gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Your energy bills: This will influence how much money you might save. In University Park, the average homeowner can save about $1,200 a year on their electricity bills.
- Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to 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 $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are several good benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your bank account. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in University Park
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives.When you install solar panels on your house, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further save. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in University Park
Installing solar panels can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.While solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In University Park, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar energy is renewable and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
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 University Park, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In University Park, 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 planning on installing solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.