Best 5 Solar Companies in Des Plaines, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Des Plaines

The price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers. 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 Des Plaines

The style of solar panels you select dictates 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.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Des Plaines. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Des Plaines

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. Though it involves 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 next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving 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 based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson 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 Des Plaines.

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.