15 Best Solar Companies in Rockford, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Rockford based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Rockford, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Rockford homeowner saves $1,142/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rockford
As a homeowner or business owner in Rockford, you may be interested in switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it comes with lots of benefits. Solar panels can be expensive, but the switch will save you money on your utility bills over many years. In fact, you can potentially save about $14,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top options in your area.We suggest shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Rockford, click the link below.
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 Rockford
Greenlink Energy Solutions
Prompt Service Delivery- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- System Decommissioning
Iconic Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Agsun Corporation
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
ilumen Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Midwest Solutions Inc
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Phoenix Exteriors Roofing & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Drews Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
All Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Certasun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Full Spectrum Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Reficiency Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Midwest Solar Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Kapital Electric, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
Solar Brite Ltd
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rockford
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rockford 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 Rockford
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 Rockford
Although solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Because of Rockford’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- Your energy consumption: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to decrease your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Rockford homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Rockford
Although installing solar panels is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over many years due to lower power bills and government incentives.These incentives usually consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. You can find out about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rockford
Installing solar panels is a good way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch do for the environment anyway? In Rockford, where the energy generation can be rather dirty, going solar can have a big impact on the planet since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.Even though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Rockford, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar energy is plentiful and makes electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
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 Rockford, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in Rockford?
In Rockford, Greenlink Energy Solutions is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.