Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Joliet, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier provider combining the high-efficiency equipment of SunPower with strong regional installation and service expertise. They are known for a streamlined process, excellent customer service, and offering some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. They provide comprehensive services from initial consultation to post-installation support.
A locally owned and operated company based in the Chicago area with a strong presence in the Joliet market. They are highly regarded for their personalized service, expert design consultations, and deep knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program. They handle the entire process in-house.
A reputable local contractor specializing in both solar and general home energy solutions. They offer a more personalized, hands-on approach and are praised for their quality craftsmanship and responsive maintenance and repair services. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking direct communication with the installers.
** The home solar market in Joliet, Illinois, is robust and growing, driven by favorable state incentives like the **Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)** which provides significant monetary credits for renewable energy generation, as well as the continued availability of the 30% federal solar tax credit. The competition level is **moderate to high**, with several established national franchises and strong local companies vying for business. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and improved service quality. The average quality of installers serving Joliet is generally high, with most reputable companies holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with major equipment manufacturers like SunPower, Qcells, or Enphase. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Joliet before incentives ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home) and equipment selection. The combination of state and federal incentives can reduce the net cost by 40-50%, making solar a financially attractive investment for many homeowners. Most providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), to accommodate different financial situations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Joliet regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Joliet, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Joliet, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, Illinois offers strong state incentives, including the Illinois Shines program which provides a fixed payment per kilowatt-hour generated over 15 years, significantly reducing your net cost. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the final out-of-pocket expense can be nearly cut in half, making solar very affordable for Joliet homeowners.
Solar panels are effective in cold, sunny weather and Joliet receives ample sunlight for efficient production year-round. While shorter winter days and occasional snow cover will reduce output for a period, your system is designed to account for seasonal variations. Importantly, panels are installed at an angle, so snow usually slides off, and they often generate electricity on bright, overcast days. The high production in spring, summer, and fall will offset the lower winter months, leading to substantial annual savings.
From signing a contract to system activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and permitting with the City of Joliet and ComEd, the physical installation usually takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for ComEd to approve interconnection and install a new net meter, which can take several weeks. A reputable local installer will manage all permits, inspections, and utility paperwork for you, streamlining the entire timeline.
Prioritize installers who are locally licensed, insured, and have extensive experience with Joliet's specific building codes and ComEd's interconnection requirements. Look for established companies with strong reviews on local platforms and ask for references from recent installations in your neighborhood. Ensure they are an approved vendor for the Illinois Shines program and provide clear explanations of warranties, production guarantees, and how net metering with ComEd works for your bill.
ComEd's net metering policy credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid at the full retail rate, rolling over credits month-to-month with an annual "true-up" settlement. This greatly offsets your bill for power drawn at night or on cloudy days. Standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless you invest in a paired battery storage system. Adding a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall, can provide backup power to keep essential circuits running during outages, which can be valuable during Joliet's occasional severe storms.