Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Highwood, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned and operated solar installer specializing in high-end residential systems for the North Shore communities. They are known for meticulous custom design, premium equipment, and white-glove customer service from consultation through long-term maintenance.
As a franchisee of the nationally recognized SunPower brand, this provider offers top-tier, high-efficiency solar panels and robust warranties. They are a strong choice for homeowners seeking maximum energy production and the financial backing of a major manufacturer, combined with local installation expertise.
A regional leader serving Illinois and Indiana, CertaSun is praised for its seamless customer experience and expertise in navigating state and federal incentives. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments to maximize savings, and have strong partnerships with leading battery storage manufacturers.
** The home solar market in Highwood, IL, is characterized by high-quality, premium service providers catering to an affluent and environmentally conscious demographic. The competition is strong among a handful of top-tier regional installers, rather than a saturated market with numerous budget options. Due to the older housing stock and architectural diversity in the area, providers must be skilled in complex roof work and custom system design. **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving Highwood is very high, with most holding NABCEP certifications and partnering with Tier-1 panel manufacturers (e.g., SunPower, Qcells, REC) and battery providers (e.g., Enphase, Tesla). **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While the number of physical offices in Highwood itself is low, the competition to serve the North Shore region is fierce among established, reputable companies. This benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally at a premium compared to national averages, reflecting the higher cost of labor, the complexity of installations, and the use of premium equipment. Homeowners can expect a ballpark figure of **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before incentives, making a typical 8 kW system gross between $24,000 and $32,000. The strong knowledge of Illinois Shines (SREC) programs and the 30% federal tax credit among these providers significantly reduces the net cost for the homeowner.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Highwood regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Highwood, Illinois.
A typical residential solar system in Highwood 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. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 50% or more.
Highwood's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While shorter winter days and occasional snow cover reduce production from December to February, our summer months provide long, sunny days that generate abundant electricity. Modern panels are efficient in cold weather and are installed at an angle, so snow usually slides off quickly, minimizing downtime. Your system will be designed to maximize annual production, offsetting higher winter usage with surplus summer generation.
All installations in Highwood require an electrical permit from the Village of Highwood Building Department and must pass inspection by a certified municipal inspector. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process. Systems must comply with the Illinois State Plumbing Code (for roof penetrations) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), and your installer will also handle the interconnection agreement with ComEd, our local utility.
Look for Illinois-licensed electrical contractors (or who partner with one) with specific experience in Highwood and Lake County. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and check reviews on local platforms like Nextdoor. Ask for references from recent installations in Highwood or nearby towns like Highland Park or Lake Forest to see their work and understand how they navigated local permits and ComEd's net metering.
ComEd offers full retail net metering, crediting you at the full retail rate (around 8-10 cents per kWh) for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, helping balance lower production in winter. Importantly, a standard grid-tied system will shut off during a power outage for safety unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup. Adding a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall, is a popular option in Highwood to provide essential power during outages.