Best solar panel pros near Apple River, IL

Q: Can a solar panel power a TV without a battery?

• <div><p>Yes, a solar panel can power a TV without a battery, but only if the sun is shining and the panel is generating enough energy. Your solar panel and TV must have the same voltage, and you should install a charge controller and inverter between them so power surges don&rsquo;t destroy your TV. To watch TV at night, in the early morning and late afternoon, and on cloudy days, your home must be tied to the power grid.</p></div>

Q: Where is the best place to install solar panels on your roof?

• <div><p>Ideally, you want to place them facing true south. This is different from what a compass shows, which is called the magnetic south. You can find true south by using an online calculator as long as you know the longitude and latitude of your property. Solar panel placement is key to maximizing the energy you generate, so this is an important step.</p></div>

Q: Can I turn on my solar system before the inspection?

• <div><p>No, you cannot turn on a new solar system before inspection. The inspector checks that the system is correctly connected to the grid and that safety components and features are in place. This process prevents problems on the electrical grid and offers protection against fire in your home. </p><p>Your local utility company may also require inspection documentation before you can connect to the grid. An inspection can ensure solar power efficiency and determine how you might increase it.</p></div>

Q: What questions should you ask your solar panel inspector?

• <div><p>There are a few great <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hiring-solar-installer-ask-these-8-questions.htm">questions to ask a solar contractor</a> or inspector when you speak to them. You&rsquo;ll probably want to find out about the energy yield and efficiency of your array, ensuring the actual output matches the amount you calculated when installing the array in the first place. It&rsquo;s also a good idea to find out about any damage or wear and tear on the array and to inquire about how soon you need to make repairs or replacements to essential components.</p></div>

Q: How do I find a reputable solar panel company?

• <div><p>You can start narrowing your search for a reputable solar company by finding local, regional, and national companies that service your area and maintain positive reviews online. You should also check the Better Business Bureau&rsquo;s (BBB) website to see if the company has complaints filed against them. Next, contact the remaining candidates and ask about installation timelines, warranty coverage, and financing options. Choose a company that offers a labor warranty that lasts at least 10 years and prioritizes cash purchases and solar loans.</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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Top-Rated Solar panel pros in Apple River - Updated Nov 2026

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

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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

"I can’t say enough good things about Howard. He is very detail oriented and thorough from start to finish and will take the time to go over the numbers and make sure any questions are answered to your satisfaction. In an industry where you can sometimes feel like just another number, Howard makes you feel like a priority. Would highly recommend!"

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 FAQs, answered by experts

Yes, a solar panel can power a TV without a battery, but only if the sun is shining and the panel is generating enough energy. Your solar panel and TV must have the same voltage, and you should install a charge controller and inverter between them so power surges don’t destroy your TV. To watch TV at night, in the early morning and late afternoon, and on cloudy days, your home must be tied to the power grid.

Ideally, you want to place them facing true south. This is different from what a compass shows, which is called the magnetic south. You can find true south by using an online calculator as long as you know the longitude and latitude of your property. Solar panel placement is key to maximizing the energy you generate, so this is an important step.

No, you cannot turn on a new solar system before inspection. The inspector checks that the system is correctly connected to the grid and that safety components and features are in place. This process prevents problems on the electrical grid and offers protection against fire in your home.

Your local utility company may also require inspection documentation before you can connect to the grid. An inspection can ensure solar power efficiency and determine how you might increase it.

There are a few great questions to ask a solar contractor or inspector when you speak to them. You’ll probably want to find out about the energy yield and efficiency of your array, ensuring the actual output matches the amount you calculated when installing the array in the first place. It’s also a good idea to find out about any damage or wear and tear on the array and to inquire about how soon you need to make repairs or replacements to essential components.

You can start narrowing your search for a reputable solar company by finding local, regional, and national companies that service your area and maintain positive reviews online. You should also check the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to see if the company has complaints filed against them. Next, contact the remaining candidates and ask about installation timelines, warranty coverage, and financing options. Choose a company that offers a labor warranty that lasts at least 10 years and prioritizes cash purchases and solar loans.

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

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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.