Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wilmette, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned SunPower Master Dealer offering high-efficiency SunPower Equinox systems. They are known for exceptional customer service, comprehensive in-house services (design, installation, maintenance), and deep expertise in the Illinois market, including navigating ComEd requirements and state incentives.
A certified B Corporation and employee-owned company with a strong reputation for quality and ethical business practices. They are experts in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and are a Tesla Powerwall certified installer. They serve the entire Illinois and Missouri region.
A long-standing, Chicagoland-based solar installer with deep roots in the community. They emphasize custom design and high-quality craftsmanship. Windfree handles the entire process from consultation to post-installation support and maintenance.
** The home solar market in Wilmette, Illinois, is characterized by high-quality, competitive service providers catering to an affluent and environmentally conscious community. The competition level is moderate to high, with several established regional players vying for business. These companies are typically well-versed in the specific architectural styles and zoning requirements of the North Shore. The average quality of installers serving Wilmette is high, with most holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and partnerships with premium manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this area can range from **$15,000 to $40,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. Homeowners can significantly reduce this net cost through the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and ComEd net metering, making solar a financially attractive investment in Wilmette.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Wilmette regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wilmette, Illinois.
A typical residential solar installation in Wilmette ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home specifics. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides significant upfront payments. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 50% or more, making solar a strong financial investment.
While Wilmette experiences all four seasons, solar panels are effective year-round. They generate the most energy during sunny spring and summer days, but they still produce power on cloudy days and in winter—cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt light accumulations quickly.
All installations require an electrical permit from the Village of Wilmette and must comply with the Village's building codes. Your chosen, reputable installer will typically manage this entire process, including submitting plans for review. It's also essential to coordinate with ComEd for interconnection approval to ensure your system can safely send excess power back to the grid under net metering rules.
Select a provider with extensive local experience in Wilmette and the North Shore, as they will be familiar with specific village inspectors, utility processes, and architectural considerations common to area homes. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by manufacturers like SunPower or Tesla. Always check reviews and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities to gauge their reliability and quality.
Yes, ComEd offers full retail net metering for residential solar systems in Illinois. This means any excess electricity your panels send to the grid earns you a credit on your bill at the same rate you pay for power. Credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to bank summer overproduction to offset higher usage in darker winter months. This policy, mandated by state law, is a key financial benefit that maximizes your system's value.