Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Northbrook, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
BrightLeaf Solar is a premier, locally-owned residential solar installer known for its custom design process and high-touch customer service. They are experts in navigating Illinois-specific incentives and offer comprehensive services from design through maintenance.
CertaSolar is a leading Chicagoland solar contractor with deep experience in both residential and commercial projects. They emphasize quality workmanship, use top-tier equipment, and have a strong reputation for professional installations and system maintenance.
As the name implies, Solar Service, Inc. has a strong focus on the long-term health of solar energy systems, offering specialized maintenance, repair, and cleaning services alongside new installations. They are a great option for homeowners seeking ongoing support.
** The home solar market in Northbrook, Illinois, is mature and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers. As an affluent suburb of Chicago with a high level of homeowner education, the market demands expertise, premium equipment, and excellent customer service. The average quality of installers serving the area is very high, with most holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with leading manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and LG. Competition is strong among a handful of top-tier local and regional companies rather than a flood of national advertisers, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and localized incentive knowledge. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and equipment choices. Homeowners in Northbrook are well-positioned to benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Illinois Shines (the state's solar renewable energy certificate program), and net metering from ComEd, making the return on investment quite attractive. The market shows a growing trend towards integrating battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall) for backup power and increased energy independence.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Northbrook regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Northbrook, Illinois.
A typical residential solar installation in Northbrook ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home specifics. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Illinois' Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which pays you for the clean energy you produce. Additionally, ComEd offers net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid, further improving your return on investment.
Solar panels are very effective year-round in Northbrook; they generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun. While production is highest in sunny summer months, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically melts quickly off dark, tilted panels, and any light reflected by snow can even boost production. Modern systems are designed to account for seasonal variation, ensuring you generate substantial power even in winter and benefit from strong net metering credits from summer overproduction.
Installing solar in Northbrook requires a building permit from the Village of Northbrook's Community Planning & Development Department. Your chosen reputable installer will typically manage this entire process, ensuring compliance with local building codes, zoning ordinances, and electrical standards. They will also handle the interconnection agreement with ComEd, which is mandatory to connect your system to the grid and participate in net metering.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers with extensive experience in the North Shore region, as they will be most familiar with Northbrook's specific permitting process, common roof types, and ComEd's requirements. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties on both equipment and workmanship. Always check reviews, ask for references from local customers, and compare multiple detailed proposals that outline equipment brands, production estimates, and full cost breakdowns.
No, in Illinois, a home solar installation is exempt from property tax increases under the state's solar energy system assessment freeze. This means the added value from your system will not raise your property tax bill. Regarding insurance, you should notify your homeowner's insurance provider of the installation; most policies cover solar panels, but a slight premium adjustment may occur. Your installer can provide documentation to simplify this process with your insurer.