Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Prospect Heights, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Brighteye Solar is a highly-rated, local solar installer focused exclusively on the Illinois market. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-depth knowledge of state-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program, and high-quality installation work. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A regional leader with multiple offices across the Midwest, All Energy Solar brings significant experience and resources to its Illinois operations. They are a full-service provider offering design, installation, and maintenance for both grid-tied and battery-backed systems. Their strong manufacturer partnerships ensure access to high-quality equipment.
This provider is a top-rated SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. SunPower's equipment comes with a strong 25-year comprehensive warranty. They specialize in custom system design and offer robust financing options. Their partnership with a top-tier manufacturer makes them a premium choice for homeowners seeking maximum performance and long-term reliability.
The home solar market in Prospect Heights, Illinois, is active and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong regional installers and local specialized companies. The overall quality of providers is high, with many holding premium certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition is robust, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system before the 30% federal tax credit generally ranges from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt, making an average 6 kW system cost between $16,800 and $21,000. The market is heavily driven by the state's adjustable block grant program, Illinois Shines (formerly SREC), which provides significant monetary incentives on top of the federal tax credit, making solar a financially attractive investment for homeowners. Most installations are grid-tied, but interest in battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall) is growing rapidly for backup power.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Prospect Heights regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Prospect Heights, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Prospect Heights, 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). Additionally, Illinois offers a strong state incentive through the Adjustable Block Program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands over the system's life, and ComEd's net metering program ensures you get credit for excess energy sent back to the grid.
While winter days are shorter, solar panels are actually more efficient in cold weather, and they perform well with Illinois's clear, sunny winter days. Snow typically slides off angled panels quickly, and any minor covering melts rapidly. The seasonal variation is accounted for in system design, with the long, sunny summer days generating significant surplus to offset lower winter production, ensuring annual energy needs are met.
Installation requires a building permit from the Prospect Heights Building Department. The process involves submitting your engineered plans for review to ensure compliance with local building and electrical codes. Your chosen reputable installer will almost always manage this entire permitting process for you, which is a key service to look for. They will also coordinate the final inspection and interconnection agreement with ComEd.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers with extensive experience in the Chicagoland area, as they understand our specific climate, utility rules (ComEd), and local building codes. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always get multiple detailed quotes, check reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent installations in nearby suburbs.
No, under the Illinois Property Tax Code, a home solar installation is considered a "green energy improvement" and is exempt from increasing your property's assessed value for property tax purposes. For net metering, ComEd provides a one-for-one credit on your bill for every kilowatt-hour you send to the grid, rolling over month-to-month, with an annual "true-up" settlement in April.