Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Chicago, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading national provider with a strong local presence, known for high-efficiency SunPower® equipment. They offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, with a strong emphasis on customer education and flexible financing.
A locally owned and operated Chicago company renowned for its exceptional customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. They are a certified installer for top-tier manufacturers and have deep expertise in navigating Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
A well-established regional provider serving the Chicagoland area with a full-service approach. They handle the entire process in-house and are recognized for their expertise in both grid-tied and hybrid solar-plus-battery systems for increased energy independence.
** The home solar market in Chicago is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of nationally recognized franchises and strong local specialists. The quality of providers is generally high, with many holding prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and equipment. The market is driven by favorable state-level incentives, primarily the **Illinois Shines** (Adjustable Block Program) which provides significant rebates, net metering policies from ComEd, and the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). Consumers are increasingly interested in pairing solar with battery storage to mitigate power outages and maximize self-consumption.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Chicago regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Chicago, Illinois.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Chicago ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home specifics. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Adjustable Block Program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands over the system's life, plus a 30% federal tax credit. Combined, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%, and Chicago's property tax assessment does not increase with a solar installation.
Solar panels are very effective in Chicago's climate; they generate electricity from light, not heat, and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Snow typically melts quickly off angled panels, and the reflective quality of snow can even boost production. While output is lower on short, cloudy winter days, systems are designed to overproduce in sunnier months (spring, summer, fall) to credit your ComEd account through net metering, balancing annual energy needs.
Installing solar in Chicago requires a city-issued permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB), which your installer should handle. Key local considerations include the Chicago Electrical Code, structural requirements for wind loads, and rules for flat roof installations (common in the city) regarding ballast systems. Additionally, if your home is in a historic district or has a landmark designation, you'll need approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which can add time to the process.
Select an installer with extensive local experience, proper Illinois licensing, and strong familiarity with Chicago's specific permitting and interconnection process with ComEd. Look for established companies with strong reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau and ask for references from recent Chicago projects. It's also wise to choose a provider that offers a strong workmanship warranty (often 10+ years) to protect against midwestern weather extremes.
Net metering in Illinois, mandated by state law, allows you to send excess solar electricity you generate back to the ComEd grid in exchange for bill credits. These credits roll over month-to-month and are used to offset your consumption at night or in less sunny seasons. ComEd's net metering program ensures you get full retail value for your excess power, making your system economically viable by effectively using the grid as a battery, with an annual "true-up" period.