Get matched with top solar panel pros in Apple River, IL

Q: What are the best solar panels to withstand hail?

• <div><p>The best solar panels to withstand hail are those rated UL 61730. These solar panels are certified to withstand hailstones up to 3 inches in diameter and travel at speeds up to 88 mph. IP68 solar panels are the next most resilient solar panel. Solar panels without these ratings can handle hail up to 1 inch in diameter that travels up to 50 miles per hour. If you live in an area with frequent or severe hailstorms, purchasing UL 61730 solar panels is often worth the investment.</p></div>

Q: What other projects should I do at the same time as installing a new subpanel?

• <div><ul><li><p>Installing a new electrical meter box</p></li><li><p>Replacing your meter base</p></li><li><p>Replacing your service entrance cable </p></li></ul><p>The cost to install or upgrade an electrical meter box ranges from $100 to $650, including $50 to $250 for the unit. The meter base passes the power from your electric company to your panel. The cost to replace a meter base is roughly $50 to $250. </p><p>Service entrance cables are electrical cables with multiple wires, bringing power from electrical companies to residential buildings. The cost to replace a service entrance cable ranges roughly from $1,000 to $1,500.</p></div>

Q: Do solar installers need to be licensed or certified?

• <div><p>In most states, solar installers need to be licensed and insured as solar professionals, although some states don&rsquo;t have specific requirements for installers. You can use our <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to check if an installer you&rsquo;re considering hiring holds the proper licensing. No matter where you live, a member of your solar panel installation company must be a certified electrician to connect your panels to your home and the electric grid.</p></div>

Q: How many hours of sunlight do you need for solar panels?

• <div><p>Solar panels should get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It&rsquo;s even better if sunlight reaches panels between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is enough to power a home, depending on your solar system&rsquo;s size and energy needs. Remember that panels will generate some power under cloudy skies or in the shade, and many systems compensate for lower sun exposure by drawing energy from the grid or battery storage.</p></div>

Q: How often should solar panels be replaced?

• <div><p>Homeowners replace their solar panels after 25 years. That said, you don&rsquo;t necessarily need to replace them at the 25-year mark. You&rsquo;ll notice a declining ability to produce electricity over time. Most homeowners spring for a replacement when they notice their energy bills creeping up to regular levels or when solar panel repairs are extensive, frequent, and no longer economical. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Solar Panel Service pros in Apple River, IL

*The Angi rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Apple River, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Apple River, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

Last update on April 27, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Awesome experience. Completely shower install in one day. Courteous and trustworthy.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in June 2024
If you’re looking for someone great and reliable - this company is it! From the start to the finish they provided an excellent service. Ms. Monika helped us with the counter top selection and Mrs. Rafal made sure the project was completed on time. It was a breeze to work with them and we will...
kitchen and bath stone design
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Reviewed in April 2024
We have used their services for a couple of years now and are extremely pleased with the work and care they have provided in each project. This company is reliable, attentive to details, and very efficient. We highly recommend them.
NR Landscaping
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Reviewed in January 2024
The room is beautiful I get a lot of compliments. The construction and electrical crew were fantastic. Communications with the company was good but could use a little improvement. Already recommended the company to family and friends. Would definitely hire again.
Envy Home Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2024
Everyone has been very impressed with the room. The construction and electrical crew were fantastic. Communications were OK, but there is room for improvement. I have already recommended the company to several relatives and friends.
Envy Home Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2023
Shawn was knowledgeable, delivered on time and on budget. Our home is new construction and he was able to provide insulation between interior walls to help with sound as well as additional attic insulation. I found his website very helpful too.
Shawn Saunders Insulation
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Reviewed in July 2022
Our overall experience with Gardner Environmental Services was great. The requested project was somewhat last minute as we're in the process of selling our home, but they managed to schedule us within the timeframe we were hoping for. Their workers showed up and completed the job in the window...
Gardner Environmental Services
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Reviewed in November 2021
Great service and amazing quality
Zolkon Power, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2021
John Caldwell contacted me right away and scheduled an appointment. He power washed my chimney and it turned out looking like new! I completely recommend Caldwell Homescapes.
Caldwell Homescapes
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Reviewed in August 2014
Had to do a panel upgrade and install a dedicated line for central air going in to be fed under the deck in back of the house. Tony did a great job. Some extra supplies were left behind and the conduit under the deck could use an extra hanger, but this is insignificant. He did a great job for a...
Tony Petrauskas
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Find Solar panel pros in Apple River

Surge Solar & Associates

5.0(

)

Solar Panel Install

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Communication was great and the install was timely and professional. Ben was a bunch of help during the whole process."

Response time3 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Extremely professional! Definitely hire for your solar installation! Save the planet! Go Solar!!"

+16

Response time2 hrs

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Independent Powur Consultant

5.0(

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"They were unable to perform the work but were very nice and gave me the information I needed to ultimately get it scheduled"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Danielle bent over backwards to assist us! I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them for other projects!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"very professional and knew exactly what was wrong, ordered the part needed and repaired it."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"I highly recommend them. Great service all around."

Response time5 days

Response rate94%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"James with ETX Solutions, was very responsive to my inquiry and promptly answered every question I had. He is very knowledgeable about Solar and very professional. James explained all the tax credits and financial benefits of switching to Solar. I feel Solar energy is the smartest way to go, and James is the right person to get you set up and on your way!"

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Dish Network Retailer Satellite Country

4.0(

283

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They have been great. It been going good for me. I been wit them for a while."

Recommended by74%of homeowners

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Howard and I have worked together in the past on the same team for 3.5 years. He is one of the most honorable, trustworthy go getters I know! You will be so glad you worked with him and we even became friends during our tenure together. Any time I ever had questions about anything, he was my go to. He’s very knowledgeable and I know I can count on him for guidance. He will not steer you wrong!!"

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For Business

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very down to earth person and easy to work with."

Response time2 days

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 23

Solar Panels questions, answered by experts

The best solar panels to withstand hail are those rated UL 61730. These solar panels are certified to withstand hailstones up to 3 inches in diameter and travel at speeds up to 88 mph. IP68 solar panels are the next most resilient solar panel. Solar panels without these ratings can handle hail up to 1 inch in diameter that travels up to 50 miles per hour. If you live in an area with frequent or severe hailstorms, purchasing UL 61730 solar panels is often worth the investment.

Installing a new electrical meter box
Replacing your meter base
Replacing your service entrance cable

The cost to install or upgrade an electrical meter box ranges from $100 to $650, including $50 to $250 for the unit. The meter base passes the power from your electric company to your panel. The cost to replace a meter base is roughly $50 to $250.

Service entrance cables are electrical cables with multiple wires, bringing power from electrical companies to residential buildings. The cost to replace a service entrance cable ranges roughly from $1,000 to $1,500.

In most states, solar installers need to be licensed and insured as solar professionals, although some states don’t have specific requirements for installers. You can use our state licensing tool to check if an installer you’re considering hiring holds the proper licensing. No matter where you live, a member of your solar panel installation company must be a certified electrician to connect your panels to your home and the electric grid.

Solar panels should get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s even better if sunlight reaches panels between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is enough to power a home, depending on your solar system’s size and energy needs. Remember that panels will generate some power under cloudy skies or in the shade, and many systems compensate for lower sun exposure by drawing energy from the grid or battery storage.

Homeowners replace their solar panels after 25 years. That said, you don’t necessarily need to replace them at the 25-year mark. You’ll notice a declining ability to produce electricity over time. Most homeowners spring for a replacement when they notice their energy bills creeping up to regular levels or when solar panel repairs are extensive, frequent, and no longer economical.

The Apple River, IL homeowners’ guide to solar panel services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Timothy Moore
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to solar panel repair costs. This guide breaks down the prices of solar panel removal, repair, and replacement.
Angi
•
May 16, 2026May 16, 2026
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover the average solar panel installation cost, key price factors, and expert tips to help you budget for your solar project.
Angi
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
Find out how much it costs to remove solar panels, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save money on your solar panel removal project.
Mariel Loveland
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
3 Types of Solar Panels to Power Your Home
There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Before choosing one for your home, here are the pros and cons of each.
Lauren Bongard
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
How Do Solar Panels Work? The Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding Solar Power
How do solar panels work and what exactly do they do? Learn all about solar power generation to decide if it’s the right decision for your home.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: Which Is the Better Fit for Your House?
If you’re making the switch to solar energy, you’ll want to know the difference between solar panels versus solar shingles. Here are the pros and cons of each.