Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in South Elgin, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Illinois company known for personalized service and expertise in both residential and commercial solar installations. They emphasize education and custom system design, helping homeowners navigate state and federal incentives.
A regional leader serving the Midwest with a strong focus on customer experience and high-quality installations. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to maintenance and are known for their robust warranty offerings.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the nation, Sunrun offers significant buying power and a strong focus on solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost.
The home solar market in South Elgin is competitive and healthy, characterized by a mix of strong national providers (like Sunrun) and highly reputable regional specialists (like New Century Solar and CertaSun). The average quality of service is high, as companies must compete on reputation, knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program, and service quality in a discerning suburban market. **Competition Level:** High. Residents have multiple excellent options, which drives competitive pricing and service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** The cost for a residential solar system in Illinois typically ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, depending on system size (usually 6kW to 12kW for an average home). The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes, significantly reducing the net price. Many companies also offer $0-down loan and lease options, improving accessibility.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with South Elgin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in South Elgin, Illinois.
A typical residential solar system in South Elgin ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can reduce this cost by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Illinois also offers additional savings through the Illinois Shines program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can generate significant upfront bill credits or ongoing payments, making the net investment much more affordable.
While solar production is highest in sunnier months, modern panels are efficient and can generate power even on cloudy days. South Elgin's summer sun provides excellent output, and winter snow typically melts or slides off angled panels quickly, with the reflective snow sometimes even boosting production. Annually, Illinois receives sufficient sunlight to make solar highly viable, and systems are designed to meet your yearly energy needs, not just peak summer production.
Installing solar requires a permit from the South Elgin Community Development Department, adhering to local building and electrical codes. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. For interconnection to the grid, you must submit an application to ComEd, which has a streamlined net metering program. ComEd will install a bi-directional meter, allowing you to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong experience with Illinois-specific incentives and ComEd's interconnection process. Look for companies with strong local references and physical presence in the region, as they will be more familiar with South Elgin's permitting requirements and roof types common to the area. Always compare multiple detailed quotes that include equipment warranties, production guarantees, and full-service installation.
With a standard grid-tied system, you will not have power during an outage for safety reasons, as it shuts off to protect utility workers. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration for South Elgin residents, as it provides energy security during severe Midwestern storms and outages, allowing you to use your stored solar energy independently.