Best 5 Solar Companies in Avon, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Avon

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some important factors to consider while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Avon

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Avon homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $18,800 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Avon

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.