Best 5 Solar Companies in Rockford, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rockford

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. 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 Rockford

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. 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 car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Rockford

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.