Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kent, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier provider known for high-efficiency SunPower® equipment and comprehensive service. They offer a streamlined process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, backed by strong manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Their strong partnership with SunPower, a leading solar technology company, ensures premium performance and durability.
A well-regarded local Illinois contractor specializing in custom residential and commercial solar projects. They are praised for their personalized customer service, expert system design, and deep knowledge of local incentives and utility requirements. They handle the entire process in-house, including battery storage integration for backup power.
A comprehensive energy solutions company serving the Illinois market. They differentiate themselves with a strong focus on educating homeowners and providing a wide array of options, including various financing and leasing models. They are experts in navigating state-specific incentives like Illinois Shines and net metering.
** The home solar market in Kent, Illinois, is characteristic of a small Midwest community: it is not saturated with a high volume of local installers but is robustly served by reputable regional companies. The competition is of high quality, with providers competing on service, equipment quality, and financing expertise rather than just price. The average quality of installations is high, as all serious providers must be licensed and insured to operate in Illinois and navigate the state's specific incentive programs. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, with the final cost heavily dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. The key driver for solar adoption in Kent and across Illinois is the **Illinois Shines** state incentive program, which provides purchase price rebates, combined with net metering policies from the local utility. Homeowners are increasingly interested in adding battery storage to provide resilience against the region's occasional severe weather outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kent regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kent, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Kent, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides significant upfront compensation. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this makes the net investment much more affordable and improves payback time.
While Kent experiences all four seasons, modern solar panels are efficient even on cloudy days and perform well in cold weather. Snow typically melts quickly off angled panels, and winter sunlight still contributes to production. The key is annual production; Illinois's sunny summers generate surplus energy that offsets lower winter output, making full-year energy independence achievable with proper system sizing.
Installation requires an electrical permit from the Village of Kent and must follow the National Electrical Code, as adopted by Illinois. Your installer should handle this process. Importantly, Illinois has strong net metering rules (the Solar Renewable Energy Credit program), which ensures you get full retail credit for excess energy sent back to the grid, a critical factor for system economics.
Look for Illinois-licensed, bonded, and insured installers with specific experience navigating the Illinois Shines (SREC) program. Check reviews and ask for local references in Stephenson County. A trustworthy provider will perform a detailed site assessment, explain the SREC process clearly, and provide a production estimate specific to Kent's weather patterns, not just a generic national average.
No, Illinois law provides a property tax exemption for the added value from a solar energy system. For net metering, if you are served by ComEd, they are required by state law to offer a full retail credit for excess generation, which rolls over month-to-month. This means your system's summer overproduction can help cover your winter energy use, maximizing your savings.