15 Best Solar Companies in Evanston, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Evanston based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Evanston, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Evanston homeowner saves $1,132/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Evanston
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Evanston? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can take advantage of a lot of perks when you switch to solar power. While solar is a great investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $13,000 over 20 years.
As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Evanston, you might see that there are a large number of providers to choose between. So, we’ve put together an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Evanston solar installer.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Evanston
SunPower by Sun N Us
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
FreeWorld Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
RxSun
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Windfree Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
JD Pro Electric Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
93Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Atlas Solar Advisors
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Certasun
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
SolarWerks, Solar Panel Installation
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Green Power Works Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Fresh Coast Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Solar Installers Glenview
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Evanston
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Evanston based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Evanston
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Evanston
While solar panels can help save you money on energy over time, it’s necessary to consider the startup costs.Some important factors that influence the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can use. Plus, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Evanston pays around $1,200 a year on energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that consume lots of energy each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you’re trying to lower your energy bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Evanston homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Evanston
Because solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are some government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 0 of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Evanston.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Evanston
One of the most compelling reasons to tap into solar power is to cut your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Evanston, though. One thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Evanston, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Evanston, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Evanston?
In Evanston, SunPower by Sun N Us is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.