Best 5 Solar Companies in Elmhurst, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Elmhurst

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Consider all of these elements in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates 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), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Elmhurst

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. 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 enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Elmhurst

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

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 rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.