Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Great Lakes, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
CertaSolar Pros is a highly-rated, local Illinois company that operates as a SunPower Master Dealer. This partnership gives them access to some of the industry's most efficient solar panels and complete system warranties. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from custom design and installation to maintenance and repair, and have extensive knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
A family-owned and operated Chicagoland installer with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service. Windfree Solar handles the entire process internally, including design, engineering, installation, and monitoring. They offer a wide range of financing options, including leases and PPAs, and are experts in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
As one of the largest national providers of residential solar, Sunrun has a significant presence in Illinois. They are a primary option for homeowners seeking solar leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which require little to no money down. Their large scale allows for competitive pricing and they have extensive experience with the permitting and interconnection processes across many municipalities.
** The home solar market in Great Lakes and the surrounding North Shore suburbs is mature and competitive. The average quality of providers is high, with several established local and national companies vying for business. Homeowners benefit from this competition, which drives innovation and customer service. Key market drivers include: * **State Incentives:** Illinois' adjustable block grant program, **Illinois Shines**, provides significant monetary incentives (in the form of Solar Renewable Energy Credits) that reduce the net cost of a system. * **Federal Tax Credit:** The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) remains a powerful financial incentive. * **Pricing:** For a typical 6kW system, gross costs range from $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit and Illinois Shines incentive, the net cost can be reduced by 50% or more, making solar a financially attractive investment. * **Competition:** The market is split between large national companies (like Sunrun) that focus on financing and local/regional specialists (like CertaSolar Pros and Windfree Solar) that compete on custom design, craftsmanship, and high-performance equipment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Great Lakes regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Great Lakes, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the Great Lakes area, 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 a unique state incentive: the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront "buy-down" payment that can significantly lower your initial cost, making net prices very competitive.
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. Importantly, Illinois has strong net metering rules, so the excess power your system generates during long, sunny summer days credits your utility account to offset lower production in winter months, ensuring annual savings.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Great Lakes and the broader North Shore area. They should be intimately familiar with the permitting processes of local utilities like ComEd and specific requirements of the Great Lakes Naval Station community if applicable. Always check for certifications (like NABCEP) and read verified local reviews to assess their reputation for quality and customer service.
For a home in Great Lakes, the entire process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from local authorities and ComEd, the physical installation (which usually takes 1-3 days), and finally the utility interconnection approval and inspection ("Permission to Operate"). Seasonal weather can cause minor delays, so starting the process in spring or summer is often ideal.
No, under the Illinois Property Tax Code, a home solar installation is considered a "renewable energy device" and is exempt from increasing your property's assessed value for tax purposes. For weather damage, solar panels are highly durable and rated for severe hail. Your homeowner's insurance typically covers them, but you must notify your insurer to add the system to your policy, which usually results in only a minimal premium increase.