Best 5 Solar Companies in Niles, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Niles

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Niles

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Niles 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 Niles

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, cash payments and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use 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 do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.