Best 5 Solar Companies in Lyons, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lyons

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lyons

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can generate. 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 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 improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Lyons

Choosing the correct financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-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) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

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