Best 5 Solar Companies in Evanston, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Evanston

The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on which company mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Evanston

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much power you can produce. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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

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

Financing Solar Energy in Evanston

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, cash payments and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer several 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 Evanston.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.