Best 5 Solar Companies in Addison, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Addison

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers. Solar providers can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Addison

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Addison and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,800 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Addison

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Addison.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.