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Chicago Solar + Battery Installers
Tired Of Illinois Utility Rate Inflation?
Chicago's One-Stop Shop For Solar Panel Installations + Battery Storage
- Solar Panel + Battery Installers. Licensed Chicago solar installers.
- Maximize Incentives. Get the 30% fed tax credit + any local incentives.
- Fast Chicago IL Solar Proposal. Complete the form to get started!
Complete the form to speak directly with a solar advisor.
Over 10,000 Successful Solar Panel Installations in Chicago IL & Across The United States
Leading Solar Power Company Serving Chicago
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Thousands of Successful Solar Panel Installations Across Illinois
Professional Solar Panel Installers Serving Chicago IL
Many months after Hurricane Ian, I required service work to my solar generation & battery back-up systems. Solar Direct, who...
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The technician was prompt, thorough, and followed through on completing the repair timely while keeping passers by informed of what...
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Sebastian with Solar Direct came out to see me just before I sold my first home and he suggested I...
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Illinois's Most Trusted Extended Solar Warranty
Certified, Expert Technicians in Chicago
Chicago IL Solar Installers
Solar Direct’s Chicago solar installers are certified and licensed with over 30 years of experience and is a top rated solar power company. Established in 1986, Solar Direct has completed thousands of residential and commercial solar installations worldwide ranging from US Embassies, high schools, community centers, medical facilities, hotels, factories, agriculture, aquatic centers, and more. Since 1986, we have displayed a commitment to providing clean, sustainable energy for homeowners and businesses in the state of Illinois. Contact us today!
The Basics
Getting Started With Solar in Chicago
How Solar Works: When sunlight strikes the cells of a solar panel, it causes the electrons to flow, creating an electrical current. This energy is channeled into an inverter where it is converted from direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power to provide energy to your home. As part of Illinois, Chicago residents are ideal candidates for optimal solar energy absorption. When you choose to have a grid-tied solar system installed, you’ll receive a credit for the excess energy you produce, effectively reducing or eliminating your utility bill.
Your Solar, Your Way
Know Your Solar Options
There are the three primary types of solar systems:
Grid-Tied Solar System
Solar panels are installed and the energy generated is used to power your home or business. When no energy is generated, you get power from the grid. Excess energy produced by your solar panels is sent back to the grid and you get a credit.
Grid-Tied With Battery Back-Up
Solar panels are installed and the energy generated is used to power your home or business. When no energy is generated, you get power from your battery first, then if necessary, from the grid. Once your battery is full, you still send energy back to the grid and you get a credit.
Stand Alone (Off-Grid) Solar
[We currently do not offer Off-Grid solar installations]
Solar panels are installed and the energy generated is used to power your home or business. When no energy is generated, you get power from your battery. You are not tied to the grid and have complete energy independence.
Paying for Solar in Chicago IL
Maximizing Your ROI
Available to Chicago Homeowners Through 2032
30% Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Extended!
The 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit has been extended through 2034! This means homeowners in Chicago IL can receive a 30% tax credit through 2032. Then in 2033 and 2034, it will go down to 26% and 22%, respectively, before going away in 2035. Commercial solar installations in Chicago can still benefit from a 30% credit through 2o24.
Keep in mind that a tax credit works differently than a tax deduction. A credit means you’ll be that your tax liability will be washed away on your taxes for the qualified amount. For example, if you pay $20,000 for a 6kW solar system in the current tax year, you’ll be credited $6,000 on your that year’s tax returns, bringing the cost of your unit down to $14,000 WHILE saving $6000 in taxes!
Start Saving Immediately
$0 Down Financing Options
In addition to paying cash, there are several financing options for solar in Chicago IL. The most popular options are home improvement loans or home equity loans. Many of these are available for little to no money down and still allow you to take advantage of the federal tax credit. And, unlike other home improvements, not only is the solar purchase itself tax exempt, the value added to your home is also exempt from any increase in property taxes in Chicago.
Invest Smart
Increase Your Home's Value
Solar panel installation provides Chicago residents and business owners with a relatively quick ROI by immediately reducing or eliminating your electric bill and adding tax-exempt value to your home or property. This is true even if you have a loan, as your monthly loan payment is typically less than your monthly electric bill. On average, the value added to your home is approximately 4.1%, according to a Zillow analysis conducted in 2019.
Source: EnergySage
Understanding Net Metering
Reduce or Eliminate Your Electric Bill
How much money can you save with solar in Chicago? Typically your solar system will generate more power than you need. With a grid-tied solar system, whatever power isn’t used by you is sent back to the grid. You receive a “credit” from your utility company for providing them with power, essentially causing your meter – and your power bill – to run backwards, in a process known as “net metering.” This makes it possible to save money on your electric bill with solar or even to entirely eliminate it; and, as an added bonus, if you send out more power than you use, at the end of the year, residents of Chicago IL receive a check for the difference!
We'll Make It Easy!
Solar Installation & Permitting in Chicago IL
Chicago requires permits and inspections for solar panel installation. Your solar project manager will arrange all required permitting and inspections so you don’t have to. In most cases, you won’t even need to be home for this to take place. We’ll also oversee engineering, design, and installation, making the process as simple as possible for you. In short, we love making it easy for Chicago homeowners and businesses to go solar!
Your Solar, Made Easy
1
Free Quote
Fill out the form above to get started! Request a free quote directly to your inbox, or schedule a call with a solar advisor to learn more.
2
Consultation
A solar advisor will visit you on-site or setup a remote appointment to confirm the details of the report and answer any questions you have about your solar system.
3
Sit Back & Save
We will handle the rest! From permitting to installation, our experienced team makes it as easy as possible for you to start saving today!
Ready to get started? Fill out the form and our Chicago IL solar experts will be in touch!