Certasun is a solar company that installs residential systems in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Founded in 2018, the company offers high-quality solar equipment and additional installation services for solar batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pump water heaters. A local installer, Certasun also has exceptionally high customer reviews and ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews.
If you are thinking about installing solar panels in Illinois or Wisconsin, learn about Certasun’s solar equipment, warranties, and installation process—and compare the company to our top-rated solar installers.
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Our Take on Certasun
Certasun offers homeowners in Illinois and Wisconsin solar systems with quality panels made by REC and Maxeon and backed by a comprehensive warranty. The company has an A rating on the BBB with mostly positive customer reviews. Based on our review, Certasun’s local experience and customized installation process makes it a solid choice for Illinois and Wisconsin residents.
Pros
- Provides additional services such as water heater installations and home electrification
- Offers a $500 bonus for customers who refer a friend, family member, or neighbor
- Provides online consultations that walk each customer through custom design and proposal
Cons
- Only operates in Illinois and Wisconsin
- Doesn’t serve commercial or industrial customers
Certasun Installation Process
Certasun helps homeowners use sustainable energy with residential solar system installations. Certasun handles each solar project from start to finish, and the process starts with a free quote from the company.
- Quote: After you fill out a free online quote form, a Certasun solar consultant will schedule a virtual or in-home consultation to analyze your home’s energy needs and give a detailed solar estimate.
- Installation: Certasun professionals will handle all pre-installation inspections and approvals before construction. After the necessary paperwork is obtained, Certasun will begin the installation, which usually lasts between one and two days.
- Production: After your system is installed, Certasun will schedule your local utility provider to hook up your system to the electrical grid.
What Type of Solar Panels Does Certasun Install?
Certasun offers high-efficiency solar panels from tier-1 brands such as REC and Maxeon. Maxeon is a sister brand of SunPower, which went out of business in 2024. For many years, Certasun was the largest SunPower dealer in both Illinois and Wisconsin. However, after SunPower ceased operations, Certasun started offering equipment from other manufacturers such as REC, but continues to offer repair services for customers with SunPower equipment in its service area.
The solar panels that Certasun installs come with a 25-year product warranty, which covers manufacturing defects. The panels also have a 25-year performance guarantee, which promises a certain level of power output even after 25 years of continuous operation.
Certasun Payment Plans
Certasun partners with third-party lenders to give customers the choice of a cash purchase, loan, or lease.
There are two types of loans available to Certasun customers: bridge loans and term loans.
- Bridge loan: Bridge loans are available to customers who want to own their system but need a grace period between installation and when they receive the expected federal and state tax incentives. For example, if the price of your system is $25,000, you could put $10,000 down and use a bridge loan for the remaining balance. After your expected federal and state tax credits arrive, you would pay off the remainder of the balance. The loans require zero dollars down, and they last 12 months or 18 months.
- Term loan: Term loans are similar to a mortgage, as customers pay a fixed monthly rate for the life of the loan. Term loan customers can pay off the loan at any time with no penalty.
Customers who enter into a lease don’t own their home solar system but make monthly payments to use generated power. Payments are monthly and fixed for the life of the lease, which is typically 20 years. At the end of the lease, customers can renew for up to 10 more years or choose to end the agreement.
Customers who can purchase their solar system outright can experience immediate savings with no monthly payments. Plus, using cash or a loan means you can claim solar tax incentives.
What Do Certasun Customers Say?
Certasun is accredited by the BBB and holds an A rating from the company. Here’s a sample of the company’s BBB customer reviews:
“From the first sales online meeting until [the] final installation, the Certasun team was professional and thorough! … Communications with the entire staff were prompt, reliable, and accurate with all information. A real pleasure to do business with Certasun!” —Dave Z. via the BBB
“Since the installation of my home solar panel system, the system has had both performance issues, as guaranteed by the lease agreement, and problems with roof leaks. While the performance issue was eventually addressed, after only being brought to their attention, the roof leak has been on-going and continuous. Both companies (SunPower and Certasun) were at first accommodating to resolve the issues, but recently, they have determined that the roof leak was not do to the solar installation. … I have been trying to get both companies to comply with the mitigation requirements as spelled out in the lease agreement, but as of yet neither have complied.” John P. via the BBB
Our Conclusion
Certasun offers a comprehensive solar installation process and provides flexible financing options to customers. Despite the company being in business for less than a decade, Certasun provides homeowners in Illinois and Wisconsin with extensive solar services from a local provider.
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FAQs About Certasun
What solar incentives are available in Illinois?
For solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032, the federal tax incentive is 30% of the system’s price. In Illinois, you’ll earn solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) for the energy bought by your utility provider.
How long does it take to install my solar panels?
Certasun customers can expect the entire installation process to take 90 days. This process includes retrieving the proper permits, performing a home consultation, and creating a custom system design. The actual construction of your solar panels takes around two days.
How long will my Certasun solar system last?
Generally, solar panels can last 25–30 years on average. To maintain operation over time, Certasun’s solar power systems come with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee.
How We Evaluated Solar Companies
We aim to provide comprehensive and unbiased solar company reviews. We rated and reviewed each company based on extensive research into national and local solar installers, interviews with industry experts, and by reading customer reviews. Our detailed rating system is based on the following factors, which we average together to arrive at a final 5-star rating.
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
