Every day, we see solar panels taking over rooftops across America. Chicago, known for its skyscrapers and windy winters, is no exception to this solar boom. More and more Chicago residents are choosing to save money, help the planet, and add some shine to their homes by investing in residential clean energy.
According to Statista, the total capacity of residential solar panels is rapidly increasing, reaching nearly 30,000 megawatts just in 2022.
Intriguing, isn’t it? Read on as we delve into the process of residential solar power installation, discuss investment profitability, and much more.
Chicago has many sunny days throughout the year, making it ideal for solar energy utilization. Although 189 sunny days per year are slightly below the U.S. average (205), it’s still a significant amount of sunshine that can be used to power homes.
Moreover, the city is a potentially advantageous and promising site for solar industry development. These factors include:
Illinois is actively developing solar energy. The city government provides support to homeowners and businesses installing residential solar panels in Chicago. There are special programs and federal tax credits that incentivize homeowners to generate and use solar energy independently.
Solar energy helps reduce environmental pollution and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, the more Americans invest in home solar systems, the more efficiently exhaustible natural resources (gas, oil, coal, etc.) will be utilized, and greenhouse gas emissions will decrease faster.
Overall, solar energy reduces electricity expenses for Chicago residents. Consider this: the average American family pays approximately $1644 annually for electricity. This amount exceeds spending on mobile and internet services ($1844). However, if a residential solar Chicago, IL, were installed, the utility bill would reach $0. The saved money could be used for other needs, stimulating the local economy (another plus).
The development of solar energy attracts significant investments in Chicago. Investors are interested in putting money into renewable energy projects. Such interest is easily explained: any solar project guarantees stable financial and environmental returns with expansion in the long run. The increase in the number of home solar systems signals to investors and indicates that Chicago is ready for new business opportunities and economic growth.
Considering all the above, residential solar panel installation in Chicago is a beneficial and promising step. The city can indeed become a role model for other cities in the solar energy sector.
The decision about residential solar panels installation is a significant step as it requires substantial initial investment. Therefore, it requires careful planning and thoughtful decisions: it’s better to do the job well from the start and for years to come rather than trying to save and end up spending on endless repairs. Hiring a qualified technical expert to develop a construction plan, a team of installers from residential solar installation companies, and purchasing good equipment are all important.
Residential solar system installation consists of several key stages. Let’s take a closer look at them.
At this stage, you are just getting acquainted with solar energy for your home. So, don’t worry if you don’t know or understand a lot. Instead of diving deep into state standards and studying internet articles, schedule a meeting with a contractor from a residential solar panel installation company.
During this consultation, you should discuss your energy needs, budget, and goals for using solar energy. The installation specialist will assess the suitability of your property for solar installation residential. That is, they will evaluate how advantageous the orientation and overall structure of the roof are, the level of daily shading, and so on. Additionally, the specialist will provide a preliminary estimate of the system size and potential savings on electricity bills.
If you decide to proceed after the initial consultation, congratulations! You are thinking in the right direction. When the company sees that your intentions are more serious than just consultation, their installers will conduct an additional, more detailed site assessment. Typically, this involves specialists coming directly to your home. The goals of the visit are several:
Based on the site assessment and your initial discussions, the installer, along with other specialists, will create an individual project for your solar system. Typically, it consists of a schematic representation of the system, including:
The specialist will present you with drawings in the form of an official proposal with the system design, cost breakdown, and estimated energy production.
After you approve the system project and proposal provided by one of the selected residential solar panel installation companies, they will obtain the necessary permits from your local municipal authority and/or electric company. Here’s an additional reason to turn to specialists, as you free yourself from paperwork and tedious signature collection.
The residential solar panel installation process can officially begin when all permits are obtained. A team of experts will come to you and install mounting brackets, attach solar panels, and connect the electrical panel to the inverter, which is then connected to the house’s electrical panel.
Depending on the size and complexity of your residential solar power in Chicago, the installation process may take several days to a week or more.
After completing the solar panel installation residential, a qualified electrician and/or inspector will visit your home to ensure the system is installed correctly and meets all safety standards.
After passing the inspection, the system will be connected to the grid, allowing you to start generating solar electricity.
Most home solar panel systems come with built-in monitoring systems needed to track energy production online. Some provide data on energy consumption in your home, giving you an understanding of the need to reduce costs.
Although residential solar panels in Chicago, IL, do not require special care, it is recommended to perform maintenance at least once a year to:
➥ Remove dust, dirt, bird droppings, etc.
➥ Detect damage or issues requiring repair
Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties covering material and manufacturing defects for 20-25 years.
Remember, a solar system is not a temporary solution but a long-term investment. By approaching the installation process responsibly and with smart planning, you will create an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient source of electricity for your home that will pay off over time.
The advantages of solar energy are undeniable; however, as we mentioned earlier, the initial costs of residential solar energy installation are high. This alone can be a significant obstacle for many homeowners.
Fortunately, various financing options make solar energy more affordable:
There is no best way to finance—it depends on your financial situation, credit rating, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
Want to reduce electricity bills, decrease your carbon footprint, or increase property value? Install solar panels on your Chicago home—it’s one solution that will satisfy all your desires.
We know the first step is the hardest, as there’s plenty of information and ideas but no comprehensive understanding.
Considering residential solar panels in Chicago? Fill out a short form and get a free solar quote right away!
Solar energy can benefit Chicago homeowners by lowering electricity bills, increasing property value, and reducing environmental impact.
The cost of residential solar installation depends on the size and capacity of the system, type of equipment, installation complexity due to specific features, and other factors. Residential solar installation locations also play an important role, but Chicagoans are fortunate in this regard.
In Illinois, several incentives make local residential solar energy installation more financially accessible. These include The Investment Tax Credit (ITC), The Production Tax Credit (PTC), Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System, Solar Renewable Energy Credit, and Net Metering, as well as offerings from state programs like Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines.