Frequently Asked Questions

Most solar companies size the biggest system they can sell. We do the opposite. We look at your whole home first, windows, siding, and heating and cooling, to cut wasted energy, then we put a right-sized solar system on top of an efficient home. You end up with a smaller, smarter system that costs less and performs better.

Solar Power Midwest has been in business since 2001, with 500+ installations across the Midwest. Owner Dave Sonner stays personally involved with customers long after the job is done.

We serve homeowners and businesses across the Midwest. Some incentives, like Illinois Shines SREC payments, ComEd rebates, and the Illinois 20-year property tax exemption, are specific to Illinois.

No. Because solar and energy upgrades stay with the property and their incentives go to the owner, we work with property owners only.

Yes. Solar panels run on daylight, not heat, and they often produce more efficiently in cool, clear weather. Modern systems are sized around your annual usage, so strong spring and summer production offsets shorter winter days.

Savings depend on your current bill, roof, and usage, so any number before a real assessment is only an estimate. Many homeowners save meaningfully each month once the home is made efficient and the system is right-sized. We show you the actual numbers before you commit.

A battery adds backup power during outages and more control over when you use stored energy. It is not right for every home. We evaluate whether it makes financial sense for you rather than adding it by default. Standalone battery storage is also available on a lease or PPA.

The 30% residential federal credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The commercial credit (Section 48E) is still active: new commercial, farm, and nonprofit projects generally need to be placed in service by December 31, 2027 to claim it. Projects that began construction on or before July 4, 2026 have until December 31, 2030. Confirm your specifics with your CPA.

Illinois homeowners can still benefit from Illinois Shines SREC payments (paid per kWh your system produces), the Illinois 20-year property tax exemption on the added home value, and ComEd rebates on qualifying equipment like heat pumps and appliances.

ComEd offers rebates for qualifying heat pumps (up to $2,000), ENERGY STAR appliances, and, for businesses, custom and standard efficiency incentives for lighting, HVAC, motors, and more. We review every project for ComEd eligibility before finalizing your plan.

Yes. We offer $0 down financing options so you can start saving without a large upfront payment. We separate guaranteed utility savings from estimated incentives so you and your lender see honest numbers.

Yes. Owning your system, with cash or a loan, is what unlocks the tax credits and the Illinois 20-year property tax exemption, since those benefits go to the owner. We walk you through cash, loan, lease, and PPA options.

Energy-efficient windows, insulated siding, heat pumps, and geothermal systems. These reduce how much energy your home wastes, which is why we look at them before sizing solar.

We review your bills, verify the real numbers, identify every incentive you qualify for, and build a whole-home energy plan. There is no pressure and no obligation. If solar is not right for your home, we will tell you.

Use our free "Take Control of Your Energy" assessment to get a personalized plan and a free estimate. It takes just a few minutes and there is no obligation.