Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Dekalb, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Chicagoland installer with a strong focus on customer service and high-quality residential installations. They handle the entire process from design and financing to installation and maintenance, and they are known for their expertise with local permit and incentive processes.
A regional installer based in Illinois with a strong reputation for quality workmanship and robust system design. They specialize in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems and are known for their expertise in battery storage integration.
A reputable solar provider operating across multiple states, including Illinois. They offer a streamlined process from consultation to installation and provide a strong warranty. Their national scale often allows for competitive pricing and a wide range of financing options.
** The home solar market in Dekalb, Illinois, is moderately competitive and served primarily by established regional installers from the Chicagoland area, rather than by companies physically headquartered within the city limits. The market quality is generally high, as these providers are well-versed in Illinois-specific incentives, notably the Illinois Shines/Adjustable Block Program, which provides significant monetary credits for solar generation. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of local storefronts, numerous qualified companies actively compete for projects in Dekalb, driving a focus on customer service and competitive pricing. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000** before the 30% federal tax credit. Final costs are highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and equipment choices. The presence of state incentives makes the net cost of going solar in Dekalb more attractive than in many other parts of the country. **Key Considerations:** Dekalb residents should prioritize providers with proven experience navigating ComEd's interconnection process and the Illinois Shines program. Given the region's weather, expertise in designing systems that perform well in variable climates and offering battery backup for power resilience is a significant advantage.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Dekalb regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Dekalb, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Dekalb, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Illinois's Adjustable Block Program, which provides a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) buyback, significantly lowering your net cost. Additionally, Dekalb homeowners should check with the City of Dekalb and their utility provider (like ComEd) for any local rebates or net metering programs.
Dekalb's four-season climate is excellent for solar, as panels operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and summer provides long, sunny days for peak production. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, Illinois net metering allows you to bank summer overproduction credits to offset higher winter usage.
All installations in Dekalb require an electrical permit from the City's Community Development Department, and your installer will typically handle this. You must also comply with ComEd's interconnection agreement for net metering. Key local regulations involve adherence to the Illinois State Plumbing Code for roof penetrations and the National Electrical Code (NEC), with specific attention to rapid shutdown requirements for firefighter safety.
Prioritize Illinois-licensed, bonded, and insured installers with strong local experience in Dekalb County. Verify they are familiar with ComEd's interconnection process and the Illinois SREC program. Check reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau and ask for references from recent installations in Dekalb to see their work firsthand and discuss the homeowner's experience with permitting and system performance.
No, under Illinois law, a home solar installation is considered a "green energy improvement" and is exempt from increasing your property tax assessment for the added value. For net metering, ComEd will provide a bi-directional meter that credits you at the full retail rate for any excess energy you send to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month with an annual "true-up" settlement.