Best 5 Solar Companies in Libertyville, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Libertyville

The price and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. Check 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 Libertyville

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can generate. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Libertyville

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable 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, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer two or more 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 Libertyville.

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