Best 5 Solar Companies in Vernon, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Vernon

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon

Your photovoltaic panels' type will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

Most Vernon homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,800 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Vernon

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin 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. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.