Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wheaton, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading residential solar installer combining SunPower's high-efficiency equipment with local expertise. They are known for a streamlined process, from consultation to installation, and offer robust financing options, including loans and leases. Their strong manufacturer partnership with SunPower provides some of the industry's most durable and efficient panels with comprehensive warranties.
A locally owned and operated company based in Chicago with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service in the DuPage County area. They handle the entire process in-house, including design, engineering, and installation. Windfree is particularly noted for its expertise in both residential and commercial projects and its knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives.
A regional installer focused exclusively on Illinois and Indiana, giving them deep expertise in local grid policies, permitting, and available rebates. Certasun emphasizes a consultative approach, offering energy efficiency assessments alongside solar solutions. They provide a range of panel options and specialize in both grid-tied and battery backup systems.
** The home solar market in Wheaton, 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. * **Average Quality & Competition:** The competition is strong, primarily from established regional and national companies that operate in the broader Chicagoland area. This competition benefits consumers by driving up service standards and providing a variety of equipment and financing options. The average quality of installations is high, with most reputable companies using Tier-1 solar panels and certified installers. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally in line with the national average, but system costs can vary significantly based on home energy needs, roof complexity, and equipment choices. As of 2024, the average gross cost for a residential system in Illinois before incentives is typically in the range of **$20,000 to $35,000**. The net cost after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and local incentives like Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) can be substantially lower, often cutting the final investment by 50% or more over the life of the system. * **Key Drivers:** Homeowners in Wheaton are motivated by the combination of federal tax credits, Illinois SRECs, rising utility costs from ComEd, and a growing interest in energy independence and sustainability. Most installations are grid-tied, but there is a rapidly growing interest in adding battery storage 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 Wheaton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wheaton, Illinois.
For a typical Wheaton home, a 6-8 kW solar system averages between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Adjustable Block Program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands over the system's life, and a 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Wheaton residents using ComEd are eligible for net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Solar panels are very effective in Wheaton's climate. They generate electricity from sunlight, not heat, and can actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, our four distinct seasons provide strong sun exposure in spring, summer, and fall, resulting in ample annual production. Proper system design accounts for seasonal angles and typical snowfall.
All solar installations in Wheaton require a building permit from the City's Community Development Department. Your installer will typically handle this process, ensuring plans comply with the Wheaton City Code, including structural and electrical codes. Key considerations are roof load limits for potential snow and adherence to setback requirements from roof edges. There is no specific homeowners association (HOA) solar law in Illinois, but if you have an HOA, you should review its covenants.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers with strong experience in DuPage County, as they will be most familiar with Wheaton's permitting process and ComEd's interconnection requirements. Check for necessary licenses (like an Illinois roofing license), read verified reviews on independent sites, and ask for local references. A trustworthy provider will perform a detailed site assessment and provide a clear, customized proposal without high-pressure sales tactics.
No, in Illinois, a home solar installation is exempt from property tax increases under the state's solar energy system assessment freeze. For net metering with ComEd, your system's production is tracked via a bi-directional meter. Any excess electricity you send to the grid earns you a credit on your bill at the full retail rate, which you can use to offset power drawn from the grid at night or on cloudy days, effectively rolling over month-to-month.