Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hazel Crest, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a significant presence in Illinois. They are known for their flexible financing, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and lease options, which lower the barrier to entry for many homeowners. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and have strong partnerships with equipment manufacturers.
A highly-rated, local Illinois company known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems. They handle the entire process in-house, from energy assessment and system design to installation and maintenance, ensuring quality control. They are well-versed in Illinois and federal solar incentives.
A premier, locally-owned solar installer based in Chicago with an exceptional reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and customer service. They specialize in custom system design and use top-tier equipment. Windfree is particularly noted for its expertise in complex roof installations and its commitment to educating homeowners.
** The home solar market in Hazel Crest is competitive and served primarily by reputable regional and national companies from the broader Chicagoland area. The market is of high quality, with several well-established, licensed, and insured contractors competing for business. Homeowners in Hazel Crest benefit from strong Illinois solar incentives, notably the Illinois Shines program (also known as the Adjustable Block Program), which provides monetary compensation for the renewable energy produced. This, combined with the 30% federal tax credit, makes solar an attractive financial investment. Competition is robust, which generally leads to competitive pricing and good customer service. The typical cost for a residential solar system in Hazel Crest, before incentives, can range from **$15,000 to $30,000+**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 10kW for an average home) and equipment quality. Most providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, making solar accessible without a large upfront payment. The presence of knowledgeable local installers like CertaSolar Pro and Windfree Solar ensures that homeowners have access to experts who are deeply familiar with local permitting, interconnection rules with ComEd, and state-specific incentive programs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hazel Crest regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hazel Crest, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Hazel Crest, 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 unique incentive through the Illinois Shines program, which provides renewable energy credits (RECs) that can translate into an upfront payment or ongoing bill credits, significantly lowering your net cost. Local electric provider ComEd also has specific interconnection processes and may offer additional rebates, so it's important to work with a knowledgeable installer.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat, and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Hazel Crest's four distinct seasons are well-suited for solar: the bright, long summer days produce the most energy, while clear, cold winter days can also yield strong production. Snow can temporarily cover panels, but it usually melts and slides off angled installations quickly. The key is that your system will be sized based on Hazel Crest's specific annual sun exposure (about 4-4.5 peak sun hours daily on average) to meet your annual energy needs.
Installing solar in Hazel Crest requires compliance with Village of Hazel Crest building codes and obtaining an electrical permit. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process, which includes submitting plans for review to ensure structural and electrical safety. You must also complete an interconnection agreement with ComEd to connect your system to the grid and participate in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the utility.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers with extensive experience in the Chicagoland and South Suburban region, as they will be most familiar with Hazel Crest's specific codes, ComEd's requirements, and optimal system designs for our climate. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always check reviews on independent sites and ask for references from recent installations in nearby towns to gauge their reliability and customer service.
Illinois law mandates net metering for investor-owned utilities like ComEd. Under this policy, any excess solar energy your system produces is sent to the grid, and you receive a full retail credit on your electric bill for that power. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build up a bank in sunny months to offset usage during less productive periods like winter. This makes your system cost-effective year-round, as you are essentially using the grid as a battery.