Best 5 Solar Companies in Buffalo Grove, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Buffalo Grove

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo Grove

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $18,800 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Buffalo Grove. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Buffalo Grove solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Buffalo Grove

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, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each company you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.