Best 5 Solar Companies in Streamwood, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Streamwood

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized 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 Streamwood

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.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Streamwood

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. 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 next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-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) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

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