Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Vernon Hills, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local installer specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions for the Chicagoland area. They are known for personalized service, in-depth knowledge of Illinois incentives (like the Illinois Shines program), and a turnkey process from design to installation and maintenance.
As a premier local SunPower dealer, this company offers top-tier, high-efficiency solar equipment backed by one of the industry's strongest warranties. They provide comprehensive energy assessments and are experts in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions, serving the northern suburbs from their Mundelein location.
A leading regional installer based in Elgin, CertaSun has a strong presence across the Chicago suburbs. They are recognized for their straightforward pricing, excellent customer service, and expertise in navigating financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs. They offer full service from design to maintenance.
** The home solar market in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is **robust and competitive**, characterized by a mix of specialized local installers and larger regional companies that serve the broader Lake County and Chicagoland area. The quality of providers is generally high, with many holding top industry certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners have several excellent options, which drives competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing & Incentives:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and equipment. The key financial driver in Illinois is the **Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)**, which provides substantial solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that can cover 25-35% of the system's cost. When combined with the **30% Federal Solar Tax Credit**, the net cost to the homeowner is significantly reduced, making solar a financially attractive investment. Most reputable local installers are experts in these programs and facilitate the application process for their customers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Vernon Hills regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Vernon Hills, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Vernon Hills, 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 a significant upfront payment. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this can reduce your net cost by 50% or more, making solar very affordable.
While winter days are shorter, solar panels are actually more efficient in cold, sunny weather. Snow typically slides off angled panels quickly, and any minor production loss is offset by Illinois's excellent net metering policy, which credits your summer overproduction to use in winter. Occasional light snow removal may be needed after heavy, wet snowfalls, but systems are designed for our climate.
You will need an electrical permit from the Village of Vernon Hills, and your installer will typically manage this process. Illinois law (the Solar Rights Act) protects your right to install solar, prohibiting HOAs from issuing outright bans, though they can have reasonable rules for placement. It's wise to review your HOA covenants and engage with them early in the process.
Look for Illinois-licensed, bonded, and insured installers with strong local experience. Verify they are approved vendors under the Illinois Shines program to ensure you receive your SREC incentives. Check reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for local references from recent installations in Lake County to assess their work quality and customer service.
ComEd offers full retail net metering, crediting you at the full retail rate (including delivery charges) for every excess kilowatt-hour your system sends to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build a "bank" of energy in sunny months to use during darker winter periods. Most well-sized systems can eliminate 80-100% of your annual electricity costs, locking in energy rates for 25+ years.