Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hillside, 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 comprehensive service, from custom design to installation and ongoing maintenance. A major strength is their variety of flexible financing options, including purchase, loan, and popular Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) plans, which allow homeowners to go solar with little or no money down.
A highly-rated local Illinois installer known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They focus on high-quality equipment and customer education, making them a great choice for homeowners who want a hands-on, local contractor. They have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like Panasonic and Enphase.
Formerly known as CertaSolar Pros, this company is now part of ADT Solar, leveraging a trusted national brand. They have deep roots in the Illinois market and are recognized for their professional consultation and quality installation work. They offer a strong warranty and are well-versed in local incentives and financing.
** The home solar market in Hillside, Illinois, is moderately competitive and served by a mix of strong national providers and reputable regional installers. The average quality is high, as Illinois requires specific certification from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for installers, which ensures a baseline of professionalism and technical knowledge. **Competition Level:** Moderate. Homeowners have a good selection of 3-5 major contenders actively marketing in the area, which helps keep pricing competitive. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The net cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program (also known as the Adjustable Block Program), which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can reduce the system's payback period considerably. Homeowners in Hillside are advised to obtain multiple quotes and specifically ask about each company's experience with navigating the Illinois Shines program to maximize their financial return.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hillside regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hillside, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Hillside, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment that can reduce your net cost by 30-40%. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this makes solar significantly more affordable in our area.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat, so they perform well in cold, sunny weather typical of Illinois winters. While shorter winter days and snow cover (which typically slides off angled panels) reduce production for a period, our strong summer sun leads to high annual output. A well-designed system accounts for this seasonal variation, and net metering with ComEd credits you for surplus summer generation to offset winter usage.
Installation requires a building permit from the Village of Hillside Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process, ensuring plans comply with local building and electrical codes. Importantly, if your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), Illinois law (the Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations, though they can have rules for aesthetic placement.
Prioritize Illinois-licensed, insured, and bonded installers with strong local experience. Verify they are approved vendors under the Illinois Shines program to ensure you receive your state incentives. Check reviews on third-party sites and ask for references from recent installations in nearby suburbs like Bellwood or Westchester to gauge their work quality and knowledge of ComEd's interconnection process.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a ComEd outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall). This is a valuable but separate investment that provides backup power, which can be particularly useful during Illinois' severe storm seasons.