Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Bloomingdale, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated regional installer with a strong presence in the Illinois market. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize customer education and offer robust warranty options.
CertaSun operates as a local partner for the national SunPower network, giving them access to top-tier equipment. They focus on a streamlined customer experience and are particularly adept at navigating Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
A premier, locally-owned installer based in Chicago with a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and customer service. They handle every aspect of the project internally and are known for their expertise in both residential and commercial solar, including complex roof installations.
** The home solar market in Bloomingdale, and the greater Chicagoland area, is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. Residents are served by a mix of national brands (often through local franchisees) and strong regional installers. The market drivers are strong, primarily due to the state's **Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) incentive program**, which provides substantial buy-down credits for installed systems, making solar more affordable. Additionally, net metering policies from utilities like ComEd allow homeowners to receive bill credit for excess energy produced. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of installers physically located in Bloomingdale, many top-tier companies from surrounding suburbs and Chicago actively compete for projects in the area, leading to competitive pricing and service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for a single-family home). After the 30% federal tax credit and the Illinois Shines incentive, the out-of-pocket cost for homeowners can be significantly reduced, often by 50% or more, making the effective payback period typically between 6-10 years.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bloomingdale regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Bloomingdale, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Bloomingdale, 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). Additionally, Illinois offers a strong state incentive through the Illinois Shines program, which provides renewable energy credits (RECs) that can translate to an upfront discount or performance-based payments, significantly lowering your net cost.
Solar panels are quite effective year-round; they generate power from daylight, not just direct sun. While production is lower in winter due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient at converting diffuse light. Snow usually slides off angled panels quickly, and any energy produced helps melt remaining snow. Importantly, Illinois has net metering, so excess power you generate in sunnier months credits your account to offset winter usage.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Bloomingdale Building Department. Reputable local installers will typically manage this entire process for you. Local requirements generally address structural load on your roof, electrical code compliance, and set-back rules from roof edges. Bloomingdale's regulations are generally solar-friendly, but working with an installer experienced in the village ensures a smooth and compliant installation.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, proper Illinois licensing (like an Electrical Contractor license), and positive reviews from Chicagoland homeowners. They should understand ComEd's interconnection process, Bloomingdale's permitting, and Illinois Shines paperwork. Ask for multiple local references and compare detailed proposals that include equipment warranties, production estimates for our climate, and a clear timeline from permit to activation.
With ComEd's net metering, your solar system's excess energy feeds back to the grid, spinning your meter backward and building kilowatt-hour (kWh) credits. These credits are used to offset power you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days, with an annual "true-up" period. It's important to note that a standard grid-tied system will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you invest in a dedicated solar battery backup system to provide power during outages.