Certasun was founded with a single purpose: to bring honest, transparent solar installations to the Chicago suburbs. Based in Buffalo Grove and focused exclusively on solar, they have spent 8 years carving out a reputation as the most trusted residential installer in greater Chicagoland.
What earned Certasun the top ranking in Illinois was their combination of customer satisfaction, clean compliance record, and focused expertise. In a state where the market is dominated by national brands and local contractors moonlighting as solar installers, Certasun was built from scratch to do one thing well. Their 4.8-star rating from 309 reviews reflects that focus.
Certasun is NABCEP certified and takes advantage of the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program, which provides ongoing SREC payments for 15 years. Their sales team is particularly effective at explaining how SRECs work and how they factor into overall economics, which is critical in a state with a complex incentive structure.
The company designs systems tailored to the Midwest's four-season climate, accounting for snow load, shorter winter days, and the diverse housing stock across Chicago's suburbs. Their monitoring team proactively contacts homeowners if output drops below expected levels, and multiple reviewers mention getting a call from Certasun before they noticed an issue.
With a composite score of 85.3, Certasun is our top-ranked solar company in Illinois for 2026.
“I'm writing this review 2.5 years after install. I was very pleased with the quoting/consulting stage of the process, as all of my questions were addressed well, and the financing stage was very...”
Arnell P.
“After researching and getting quotes from several companies I am confident we made the right choice going with Certasun. Their value on cost per KW was in line with other companies and their...”
Nilesh P.
“First and foremost, I appreciate the comprehensive and detailed information Certasun shared about the solar panel system. They patiently addressed all my questions and concerns throughout the...”
Eamon N.
“My experience with Certasun was mixed. They did a good job on the final installation. But I believe that they messed up badly on the initial site assessment. They concluded late in the day (as it was...”
Krystian W.
“I'd highly recommend Certasun in Buffalo Grove, IL! Their sales team was fantastic - informative, pressure-free, and designed the best solar panel system for my needs. They use top-of-the-line...”
Elliot R.
“I interviewed 5 different Solar Panel Installers and Certasun was by far the most professional, knowledgeable, and responsive, providing a truly comprehensive and complete experience. They answered...”
Nicholas S.
“Just had my solar panels installed by Certasun and I couldn’t be happier! They made the whole process super easy, took care of everything from the city permit, ComEd rebate, SRECs paperwork, and even...”
Nathan P.
“I signed with Certasun in March 2025 expecting that, as a nearby company, they would be efficient and familiar with my village’s codes and inspection process; instead, almost every stage took longer...”
Tron Solar has built one of the larger residential solar practices in northern Illinois over the past seven years, and the trajectory speaks to a company that has scaled deliberately rather than through call-center sales tactics. Founded in 2018 by Lester Gray and headquartered at 950 Corporate Woods Parkway in Vernon Hills, the company operates as a fully in-house EPC with more than 50 employees and reports over 2,000 residential installations across Chicagoland and the broader Midwest. That self-perform discipline is unusual at this volume tier, and it shows in the 4.8-star Google rating across 1,004 verified reviews our research team confirmed, one of the largest verified review bases of any installer working the Illinois market.
What stood out to our research team is the credential and equipment stack. Tron Solar's design and installation work is handled by NABCEP-certified installers and licensed professionals, and the company holds certified installer status with Enphase, Tesla, Franklin Energy, and QHome battery platforms — the four most important storage credentials a residential customer should look for in 2026. The company also operates an in-house roofing arm, which removes the all-too-common situation in solar where homeowners are caught between a roofer and an installer when a re-deck is needed before panels can be set. A 10-year workmanship warranty covers leaks and anything related to the install itself, layered on top of standard manufacturer panel and inverter coverage.
Independent third-party validation lines up with the in-house messaging. Tron Solar maintains an active EnergySage marketplace profile, a Better Business Bureau listing, and a Focus on Energy Trade Ally designation that confirms participation in regional utility-incentive programs. Prospective customers should still ask pointed questions about subcontractor use on any roofing scope, ComEd interconnection timelines for their specific village or township, and how the company handles change orders if shade analysis reveals issues after the site visit. The fundamentals — Illinois headquarters, NABCEP credentials, multi-platform battery certifications, large verified review base, and self-perform crews — make Tron Solar one of the strongest residential installer profiles our team identified in the state.
With a composite score of 80.5 out of 100, Tron Solar holds the second-ranked position in Illinois for 2026.
Greenlink Energy Solutions has spent more than a decade building a dedicated residential solar practice rooted in northern Illinois, and the company's profile is unusually consistent across the independent platforms our research team cross-referenced. Founded in 2011 as a veteran-owned operation and headquartered at 3020 Forest View Road in Rockford, Greenlink runs a NABCEP-certified installer team and carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau where it has been an accredited business since 2017. The company's 4.9-star Google rating across 203 reviews is one of the better-rated profiles among installers actually based in Illinois rather than national brands routing leads through the state.
What stood out to our research team is the breadth of the in-house energy-services bench. Beyond residential solar PV design and installation, Greenlink performs battery storage with Enphase and SolarEdge platforms, EV charger installation, smart panel integration, heat pump and HVAC work, indoor air quality, and insulation and air sealing — all delivered through one contract. That single-source capability matters in Illinois because the state's Illinois Shines program, federal tax credit stacking, and ComEd or Ameren Illinois utility incentives reward whole-house electrification approaches that fragmented contractors struggle to execute. Greenlink markets explicit familiarity with these programs and lists Q.Cells and Generac among its manufacturer partnerships.
Prospective customers should be aware that Greenlink's primary service area centers on northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, anchored to the Rockford office, so homeowners further downstate may want to confirm crew availability and lead times during the quote process. Our research team did not find a meaningful pattern of unresolved BBB complaints, but the dual-state service footprint and the breadth of non-solar services on the menu mean buyers should pin down which manufacturer warranties will apply, who dispatches service calls, and how Energy Star Partner and BPI GoldStar credentials translate into accountability for the specific scope of work being purchased.
With a composite score of 75.0 out of 100, Greenlink Energy Solutions holds the third-ranked position in Illinois for 2026.
“We used Greenlink to install solar this past year. From the initial sales process to the survey, installation and commissioning, everything was fantastic!
I talked to many solar companies (including...”
Thomas H.
“When I think of Greenlink Energy Solutions, the first word that comes to mind is "ELITE." I am very fortunate to have been referred to this company by DuPage County. My solar project is the best...”
Andrew S.
“They were easy to work with, got the job done quickly and professionally, and have been great about answering any questions I have after the installation is complete. Their work is very clean and...”
Laura M.
“Wow! Thought that solar would be a huge headache to coordinate- but that was NOT the case with Greenlink solar. LeeAnne was with me every step of the way after my signing the contract through...”
Jamie M.
“Greenlink installed my solar system one year ago and I feel confident in leaving an extremely positive review. They were actively involved at every step of the process. I'll start with Austin, he...”
Unknown (.
“Today a crew installed Solar Panels at my resident in Lisle, IL (Angela C.). I am more than satisfied with the results. The Team arrived according to schedule, was very professional, walked me...”
Curt G.
“Amazing, amazing, amazing company, product, and installation / follow through team. High touch, almost white (work) glove service with impeccable communication by every single team member. Crazy fast...”
Christopher G.
“Our friends suggested Greenlink to us for our solar install. They were great to work with and were very prompt and communicative with every phase of the design, permitting, install and...”
Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) SRECs|Property tax exemption for solar value|Net metering at retail rate|Illinois Solar for All (low-income)|REC payments for 15 years
This fact sheet explains the net metering benefit for Illinoisans who have installed solar panels AFTER Jan. 1, 2025. Download a free, printable PDF version ...
3. WHEN WILL NET METERING CHANGES TAKE PLACE? Under Illinois law, customers beginning net metering service on or after January 1, 2025, will receive net ...
Illinois Alternate Retail Energy Suppliers (ARES) are required by law to offer net metering to their customers. Specifically Illinois State Law (220 ILCS ...
Illinois's net metering program allows customers to receive credit on their electric bill for any excess power generated from their renewable energy system.
On July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1 (H.R.1), known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law. The bill introduces significant changes to ...
This guide will take homeowners through every step of transitioning to solar energy ... Read a Blog · Read a Newsletter · Listen to a Podcast · Watch a Video ...
New Illinois Shines resources for ... For more information on solar energy, read CUB's free Solar Guide and visit our Clean Energy page.
*Companies displaying 15 or more years in business are typically established electrical, roofing, or general contracting firms that expanded into solar installation in more recent years. The years shown may reflect the age of the parent organization or a strategic partner, not necessarily the solar division itself. This distinction is worth considering when comparing to dedicated solar installers, as purpose-built solar companies may offer more specialized expertise despite a shorter operating history.
