Best 5 Solar Companies in Orland, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Orland

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Orland

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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $18,800 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Orland. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Orland solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Orland

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. 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 allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to 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 provider you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A team member 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 Orland.

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