Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lockport, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar and battery storage, operating through a network of local partners and its own direct installation teams. They are known for their extensive financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases, which lower the barrier to entry for homeowners. Their strong manufacturer partnerships ensure high-quality equipment and comprehensive warranties.
Windfree Solar is a highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based in the Chicago area. They have built a strong reputation for personalized service, high-quality custom designs, and expert installation. They are a certified installer for top-tier manufacturers and place a strong emphasis on customer education and post-installation support.
Solar Service, Inc. is one of the longest-standing solar specialists in the region. They focus on both residential and commercial projects and are particularly known for their technical expertise in complex installations, including off-grid solutions and comprehensive maintenance and repair services. Their longevity speaks to their reliability and quality of workmanship.
** The home solar market in Lockport, Illinois, is part of the active and growing Illinois solar industry, largely driven by the state's adjustable block grant program (Illinois Shines) and net metering policies. The market is characterized by a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun) and established, reputable local/regional installers (like Windfree Solar and Solar Service, Inc.). **Average Quality & Competition:** The competition is strong, which benefits the consumer. The average quality of providers serving Lockport is high, with companies needing to maintain excellent credentials and customer service to compete. Homeowners have access to installers certified by major panel manufacturers (e.g., SunPower, LG, Panasonic) and organizations like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). **Typical Pricing:** As of 2024, the average gross cost for a residential solar system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000** before incentives. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) significantly reduces this net cost. Furthermore, the Illinois Shines program provides additional monetary incentives based on the system's projected energy production, which can further reduce the payback period to between 6-10 years for many homeowners. A variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, are readily available.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lockport regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lockport, Illinois.
After federal tax credits, a typical 6-8 kW residential system in Lockport ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Illinois offers excellent incentives, including the Illinois Shines program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands of dollars over the system's life. Additionally, Lockport homeowners benefit from the state's 1% solar property tax assessment, ensuring your property taxes won't increase due to the added value of your solar panels.
Lockport's four distinct seasons impact solar production, with peak output in sunny summer months and lower production in shorter, cloudier winter days. Importantly, solar panels operate efficiently in cold weather, and snow typically melts quickly off their slick, angled surfaces. The annual average of 189 sunny days in the area provides sufficient sunlight to make solar a strong investment, with systems designed to generate ample power year-round to offset your ComEd bills.
All solar installations in Lockport require an electrical permit from the City's Building Division, and your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The City follows the 2018 International Residential Code, which includes specific provisions for rooftop solar. A key local consideration is ensuring your roof structure can support the system, which a professional installer will verify. There are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) bans on solar in Illinois due to state law protecting your right to install.
Prioritize Illinois-licensed, bonded, and insured installers with strong local experience in Will County. Look for providers who are certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission to participate in the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) program. We recommend getting multiple quotes, checking reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references in Lockport to see completed installations and hear about their experience with permitting and interconnection with ComEd.
While technically possible, going fully off-grid in Lockport is generally not practical or cost-effective for most homeowners due to extended periods of cloudy winter weather that would require an excessively large and expensive solar-plus-battery system. The most common and recommended approach is a grid-tied system with a battery for backup power. This allows you to use ComEd as a reliable backup, participate in net metering to earn credits, and have power security during outages, which is valuable given the area's occasional severe storms.