Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Homewood, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, locally-owned company based in the Chicago area. Windfree Solar is highly regarded for its custom design process, high-quality installation, and extensive knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives, like the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) program. They emphasize a turnkey approach, handling everything from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
Certasun is a leading residential solar installer in Illinois, known for its strong focus on the suburban Chicago market. They are a certified partner for top-tier equipment like Q CELLS and Enphase, and they offer a streamlined process with an emphasis on customer education. They are experts in navigating net metering and local utility requirements.
A local Homewood-based contractor with a long history of serving the community. While they offer a broad range of roofing and electrical services, they have a dedicated solar division. Their strength lies in being a one-stop shop for both roof and solar needs, which can be a significant advantage for homeowners concerned about roof integrity or needing a re-roof alongside their solar installation.
The home solar market in Homewood, Illinois, is active and competitive, benefiting from being part of the broader Chicago metropolitan area. The market quality is generally high, with several established, reputable installers competing for business. Homewood residents have access to a combination of federal tax credits, the Illinois Shines state-level incentive (which provides a payment for renewable energy credits), and net metering from ComEd, making solar a financially attractive option for many homeowners. The level of competition is moderate to high, which helps keep pricing competitive. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the area, before incentives, generally ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, depending heavily on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home), equipment quality, and roof complexity. The presence of local contractors like Solair Energy alongside specialized regional leaders like Windfree and Certasun provides homeowners with a good range of options, from highly specialized solar-only firms to full-service roofing and solar contractors.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Homewood regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Homewood, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Homewood, 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 specific incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides additional monetary credits (REC payments) based on your system's production, significantly improving payback time. Local installers can provide precise quotes factoring in your home's specific energy needs and roof layout.
Homewood's four-season climate means production varies, with peak output in sunny summer months and lower production in shorter, cloudier winter days. Importantly, solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and don't require intense heat. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to aid shedding, and their dark surface helps melt snow faster. Annual production is more than sufficient, as systems are sized to offset your yearly usage, not daily.
Installing solar in Homewood requires a building permit from the Village of Homewood Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process, ensuring plans comply with local codes. For interconnection, you must submit an application to Homewood Electric (the municipal utility) for net metering approval, which allows you to send excess power to the grid for credits. Homewood Electric has specific requirements and forms, so working with a local provider experienced with this utility is key.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience, specifically those familiar with Homewood Electric's interconnection process and Village permitting. Check for proper Illinois-licensed electrician credentials (not just a general contractor's license), strong warranties (25-year on panels, 10+ years on workmanship), and verified reviews from Chicagoland homeowners. Ask for references from recent installations in nearby south suburbs to see their work firsthand.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup (like a Tesla Powerwall). For storm resilience, panels are rated to withstand Illinois hail and high winds (typically up to 140 mph when properly installed). It's wise to discuss adding critter guards with your installer, as they prevent animals common to the area from nesting underneath and damaging wiring.