Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kankakee, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier provider resulting from the merger of two industry leaders. They offer high-efficiency SunPower-branded equipment, which is widely regarded as some of the best in the industry. They are known for a strong customer service focus and comprehensive in-house services from design to maintenance.
A national company with a strong presence in the Illinois market. They are known for robust financing options and helping homeowners maximize federal and state incentives. They provide a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments to ensure the solar system is optimized for the home's needs.
A well-regarded, established local Illinois contractor specializing in renewable energy. They have deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems for residential and commercial properties. Their local focus means they have specific knowledge of Kankakee's climate, utility policies (ComEd), and building codes.
** The home solar market in Kankakee, Illinois, is moderately competitive and of high quality, primarily served by established regional and national providers. Homeowners in Kankakee benefit from being within the ComEd utility territory, which offers net metering, and the state of Illinois has favorable incentives, including the Illinois Solar for All program and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), making solar an increasingly attractive investment. The average quality of installers serving the area is high, with most companies holding necessary certifications (like NABCEP) and offering strong manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Typical pricing for a residential system in the Kankakee area is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, depending on system size (typically 6kW to 10kW), equipment quality, and roof complexity. The competition, while not as dense as in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, is strong enough to provide homeowners with several excellent, reputable options for going solar.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kankakee regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kankakee, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Kankakee, 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 unique state incentive: the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment or ongoing credits for the energy you produce, significantly improving payback time.
Kankakee's four distinct seasons create a predictable production cycle. While winter snow and shorter days reduce output, solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and snow usually melts quickly off angled panels. The long, sunny summer days yield very high production, and our overall climate provides enough annual sunlight to make solar highly viable, with annual production estimates typically aligning well with household usage patterns.
Installation requires a building permit from the City of Kankakee or your local township, and your installer will typically handle this. The critical local utility step is interconnection approval from ComEd. Your chosen provider will submit an application to connect your system to the grid, a process that includes a review to ensure safety and compliance with ComEd's specific technical requirements, which can take several weeks.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, as they will be familiar with Kankakee County's specific permitting, ComEd's interconnection process, and optimal system designs for our weather. Check for Illinois-licensed electricians, strong warranties, and local references. Be sure they are an approved vendor for the Illinois Shines (SREC) program to guarantee you receive that key state incentive.
Modern solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand hail and high winds (typically rated for 140+ mph). For peace of mind, your homeowner's insurance policy generally covers panels, but you should confirm this with your agent. A reputable local installer will also provide a strong workmanship warranty covering roof penetrations and will use quality mounting hardware designed for Midwestern weather extremes.