Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Des Plaines, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Chicagoland residential solar installer known for its comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They are highly rated for customer service, transparency, and expertise with local incentives and financing.
A prominent Illinois-based solar company specializing in making the solar process simple and affordable for homeowners. They offer strong warranties, in-house installation teams, and are experts in the state's net metering and incentive programs.
A family-owned and operated solar installer serving the Chicago metro area, including Des Plaines. They are known for high-quality craftsmanship, personalized service, and offering both grid-tied and off-grid solutions with a focus on durability for the Midwest climate.
** The home solar market in Des Plaines, Illinois, is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of established local/regional specialists and larger national companies vying for business in the affluent Chicagoland suburbs. The average quality of providers is high, with many holding prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, with system size being the primary cost driver. Homeowners in Des Plaines also benefit from net metering policies from ComEd, which further enhances the return on investment. The market is currently seeing a significant rise in demand for battery storage integration (like Tesla Powerwall) to provide backup power during outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Des Plaines regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Des Plaines, Illinois.
A typical residential solar system in Des Plaines ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides significant upfront payments, and the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Combined, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 50% or more, making solar a strong financial investment.
Solar panels are effective in cold, sunny weather and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and the abundant summer sun more than compensates. On average, Illinois receives enough sunlight to make solar highly viable, with systems producing significant energy year-round, especially during peak summer air conditioning months.
Installing solar in Des Plaines requires a building permit from the City's Building and Zoning Division. The process involves submitting plans to ensure structural and electrical code compliance. Most residential rooftop systems in Des Plaines are approved administratively, but it's critical to work with an installer experienced with local requirements. They will typically manage this entire permitting process on your behalf.
Look for Illinois-licensed electrical contractors (or who partner with one) with strong local experience. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read verified reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent installations in the area. A trustworthy installer will provide a detailed production estimate specific to Des Plaines' weather patterns and clearly explain the Illinois Shines incentive process.
An old roof should typically be replaced before installation, as removing and reinstalling panels for a future roof repair is costly. Most reputable installers will assess your roof's condition first. For shade, modern microinverter or power optimizer technology can mitigate the impact of partial shading from trees or chimneys, but a site evaluation is essential to determine if your specific property receives enough unshaded sunlight to make the investment worthwhile.