Best 5 Solar Companies in Lombard, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lombard

The price and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses 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), one of 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 Lombard

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much power 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 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 inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Lombard and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,800 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lombard

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or securing 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 minimize 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.