Best 5 Solar Companies in Tinley Park, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tinley Park

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider all of these aspects in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors. Look 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 Tinley Park

The style of solar panels you purchase decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Tinley Park and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,800 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Tinley Park

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or using 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you 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. Look for installers that offer multiple 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 Tinley Park.

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 dedicated financing plans that could save you more.