Best 5 Solar Companies in Bourbonnais, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bourbonnais

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among 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 Bourbonnais

The type of solar panels you choose decides how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Bourbonnais and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,800 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Bourbonnais

Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement 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. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.