Best 5 Solar Companies in Skokie, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Skokie

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Consider all of these aspects in your business search.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Skokie

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Skokie and are looking into 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 Skokie

Choosing the optimal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. We advise making a cash payment or securing 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 own 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 monthly 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 pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each installer 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 Skokie.

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 rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.