Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Berkeley, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a strong operational presence in Illinois. They are known for their comprehensive service, from custom design to installation and ongoing maintenance. A major strength is their variety of flexible financing options, including purchase, loan, and their popular Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which allows homeowners to pay for the power the system produces with little to no upfront cost.
Formerly known as CertaSolar Pros and now operating under the ADT Solar brand, this company has built a strong reputation in the Chicagoland area for quality installations and customer service. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments, and are well-versed in local Illinois incentives like the Illinois Shines program. They focus on both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
A highly-rated, local Illinois solar installer known for personalized service and expertise. While based further away, they actively serve the entire state, including the Berkeley area. They receive consistent praise for their consultative approach, system design, and post-installation support. They are a certified installer for major manufacturers and offer robust warranties.
** The home solar market in Berkeley, Illinois, is **moderately competitive and of high average quality**. As a suburb within the robust ComEd utility territory, homeowners have access to strong financial incentives, primarily the **Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)** which provides substantial rebates for installed systems. This has attracted several top-tier national providers (like Sunrun) and reputable regional installers (like CertaSolar Pros/ADT and Bright Eye Solar) who are all well-versed in navigating these state-specific programs. **Competition** is healthy but not oversaturated, ensuring that residents have a choice of established, credible companies rather than a flood of unvetted contractors. The typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, but the effective net cost is significantly lowered after applying the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Illinois Shines rebate. Most providers in this market offer a full range of services, including battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall or Sunrun's Brightbox) due to the increasing homeowner interest in backup power. Customers can expect professional consultations, high-quality equipment, and financing options that make solar accessible with varying upfront investment levels.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Berkeley regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Berkeley, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Berkeley, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Illinois also offers strong state incentives, including a 1:1 net metering policy from ComEd and the Illinois Shines program, which provides renewable energy credits (RECs) that can translate to significant upfront discounts or performance-based payments, dramatically lowering your net cost.
Berkeley experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and will produce well on clear winter days, though shorter daylight hours reduce total output. Snow can temporarily cover panels, but it usually melts and slides off angled installations quickly. The summer provides the highest production, and the system's annual output is designed to account for these seasonal variations, ensuring you meet a significant portion of your yearly energy needs.
Installing solar in Berkeley requires a building permit from the Village of Berkeley. Your chosen reputable installer will typically handle this entire process. They will ensure the system meets all local building codes, including wind and snow load requirements for our region. Additionally, the installation must be inspected and approved by the Village, and your installer will coordinate the final interconnection agreement with ComEd to connect your system to the grid.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Northern Illinois. They should be familiar with ComEd's interconnection process, Illinois Shines program administration, and local building codes. Look for certified (NABCEP), licensed, and insured installers. Always check local reviews and ask for references from recent installations in nearby suburbs to gauge their reliability, customer service, and understanding of our specific climate and incentive landscape.
Standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system equipped with a solar battery backup, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration for Berkeley homeowners, as it provides energy security during severe storms or grid issues. Your installer can design a system that includes battery storage for this purpose.