Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Janesville, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local provider based in nearby Loves Park, IL, specializing in comprehensive residential and commercial solar solutions. They are known for personalized service, deep local knowledge of incentives, and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A reputable regional installer serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, including Janesville. They focus on custom-designed systems and emphasize education, helping homeowners understand their energy savings and the technology.
This provider represents a partnership between a trusted local brand (CertaPro) and a national solar installer (Blue Raven Solar, now part of SunPower). This combination offers the strength of national purchasing power and manufacturer partnerships with a local point of contact and service.
** The home solar market in Janesville, Illinois, is a developing and competitive regional market. Due to Janesville's proximity to the Wisconsin border and its location within the Northern Illinois service territory, homeowners are primarily served by established providers from the Rockford, IL, and Southern Wisconsin areas. The average quality of providers is high, as these are established regional businesses with strong reputations, not transient or national "storm-chaser" type operations. Competition is moderate but healthy, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the Janesville area is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any applicable state or local incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $35,000** for an average-sized system (7-10 kW). Most providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible without large upfront costs. The strong presence of local and regional installers ensures that homeowners receive personalized service and support.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Janesville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Janesville, Illinois.
A typical residential solar system in Janesville ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, Illinois homeowners can significantly reduce this cost through the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides upfront payments, and a 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, ComEd offers a net metering program, and there is no state sales tax on solar equipment, making the net investment much more affordable.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat, and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Janesville's sunny summers produce the highest energy yields, while winter production is lower due to shorter days, potential snow cover, and cloudier weather. However, a properly angled system is designed to account for this seasonal variation, and light snow often slides off smooth panels, with annual production still being very effective for meeting household energy needs.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience, as they will be familiar with Janesville's specific building codes, ComEd interconnection processes, and optimal system designs for our climate. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews, and ask for references from recent installations in Rock County. A reputable local provider will also handle all necessary permits and guide you through Illinois incentive applications.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, your installer will secure permits from the City of Janesville and submit interconnection paperwork to ComEd, which can take several weeks. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days. The final step is the inspection and approval ("Permission to Operate") from ComEd, which activates your system for net metering.
If your roof is shaded, poorly oriented, or in need of replacement, you can explore community solar programs available through ComEd, allowing you to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and receive bill credits. If you plan to move, studies show solar panels increase home value and marketability in Illinois. Your solar agreement can typically be transferred to the new homeowner, or you may pay off the system to include it as a home feature.