https://www.celestarsolar.com/press daily 0.75 2022-05-06 https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/press1-2zys2 monthly 0.5 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582149318272-OF68GPMY6KN176LFTS6U/Stocksy_comp_1937569.jpg Press - In the Press: Tina & Rose Featured https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/success1-rbkdd monthly 0.5 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582148740590-A1H2C5A6IX9LV3VP9ZA0/Stocksy_comp_2880282.jpg Press - Success Story — Shirley L. https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/success2-n696k monthly 0.5 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582148842932-1GT68ITZFGPGVH9LQPED/Stocksy_comp_2452549.jpg Press - Success Story — Maddie https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/mother-m5aga monthly 0.5 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582148944091-T0RBZV7VBSAJ5Z1M9SQE/Stocksy_comp_2814071.jpg Press - How to Manage a Business as a Working from Home Mother https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/category/success+story monthly 0.5 https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/category/press monthly 0.5 https://www.celestarsolar.com/press/category/tips monthly 0.5 https://www.celestarsolar.com/ideation daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://www.celestarsolar.com/ideation/ideation1-bjrgk monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://www.celestarsolar.com/ideation/ideation2-394ya monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://www.celestarsolar.com/ideation/ideation3-5sbxd monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://www.celestarsolar.com/ideation/ideation4-h2cw7 monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://www.celestarsolar.com/services daily 0.75 2022-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/c79b0da6-02bd-4150-8436-e03991acc813/Lillya+AR.jpg Services - Solar System Installation This is the core of our business and is what gets us excited to get to work every day. We love putting solar panels on roofs to reduce electricity bills and our collective CO₂ footprint. Solar is an investment you are making in your home and the future, and we are here to help give you the best information possible so you can make the most informed decisions about going solar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/5c502745-6b0d-46b3-a40a-01844d4f7ffc/IMG_6227.jpg Services - Solar System Maintenance Solar systems are incredibly reliable, but on occasion issues can come up. If you have a PV system and your installer is not willing or able to fix an issue then we are here to help. We hope you never need a service call, but we love solving problems and helping to keep PV systems operating smoothly for decades. For large, commercial PV systems we also provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services that may be required to maintain warranties or to help ensure return on investment goals are achieved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/bab70cb5-474d-4cfb-a8ac-18291401d204/IMG_2054.jpg Services - Solar System Inspection Maybe you just bought a home that has solar, or maybe you hired another company and are concerned about their work. Or maybe you are a commercial solar developer that would like to ensure their subcontractors are installing a code compliant system that will last for decades without issues. Whatever the reason, we are here to provide third-party solar inspection services. We understand the financial and environmental benefits of a well installed solar system and are here to help ensure you get maximum value from your investment. https://www.celestarsolar.com/welcome daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582311208565-MCYFYK5V2E1RNCFPXM7R/Stocksy_comp_1959231.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582311067836-JEZ2800VPLG3TBSCSSEV/Stocksy_comp_1959238.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582311124442-SXVKUC0U9G2QVBIBE1FE/Stocksy_comp_1937562.jpg Welcome https://www.celestarsolar.com/aboutus daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/11aaf431-080a-45df-8775-c6584e1aaf39/consultation.jpg About Us Garrison pictured here with a solar panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/a3529ceb-88a5-4365-b918-26e64c18b540/Studio+Gang+Hat.jpg About Us - In 2002 I moved to Vermont for college. While there I began working as a carpenter to pay bills while I pursued a degree in Environmental Science. Building houses taught me that I loved construction and problem solving, but I also wanted to have a positive impact with my work. While studying environmental economics I realized that corporate responsibility was a key part to solving our climate crisis. I also realized that solar energy is a fiscally responsible investment and a tangible solution that crosses political and cultural boundaries. These realizations are what sparked the initial interest that led to a career in renewable energy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/06590f02-965f-45f8-a1d3-d1abce3c1283/IMG_2579.jpg About Us - Over the years I have worked for small, medium sized, and very large solar companies. In 2020 I started Celestar Solar as an antidote to issues I was seeing in the high-volume, profit-driven solar world. Our mission is to install great systems for the select number of individuals, families, and businesses that find us, not to install the most solar. Thanks for taking the time to read this bio, and please reach out if you would like to talk solar. Solar is our passion, and we are here to help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/a595da3e-030f-417a-8841-cb360e264d26/Licenses.png About Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.celestarsolar.com/request-a-quote daily 0.75 2022-12-06 https://www.celestarsolar.com/faq daily 0.75 2023-05-24 https://www.celestarsolar.com/home daily 1.0 2025-06-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/4c5bc48f-2dc3-471e-bc1f-f19e480c997b/Group+6.png Home - Service Area We serve northeastern Illinois with a focus on Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. If you're just outside our area but still interested, send a message and we can talk about options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/a595da3e-030f-417a-8841-cb360e264d26/Licenses.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1652229590239-PIZ2UFYK7L71XYFQUB7M/Frame+1.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1652229612850-8VVXFBQFYRM07994HOZL/Frame+2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1652229697194-QRITK68B1B02CR1N9T2A/Frame+4.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1652229711856-K87N4B2XIHXBSBSO56RZ/Frame+5.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1652229762222-EOVQBGU6W1QB0OO7HUBQ/Frame+3.png Home https://www.celestarsolar.com/join daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1584124906262-JSNVE2JD3LSANKN7P59U/Stocksy_comp_1937562.jpg Join - Memberships & Class Packs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1584124474338-YKQ1K0AMA7JXAE9K2TYE/Stocksy_comp_1937558.jpg Join https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1584124517717-QMFNYXZB2O4VG9R8BQAA/Stocksy_comp_1937568.jpg Join https://www.celestarsolar.com/beginners-guide daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://www.celestarsolar.com/classes daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582573565994-50YY6FGE3R6GOR116FI7/Stocksy_comp_2452549.jpg Classes - Pitching to Investors Presentation skills, pitching and selling yourself and your brand. Tina & Rose take you through a step-by-step process on conquering your fears and on the right path to owning it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582573767155-VX6115BGF3MJJJ6YIY51/Stocksy_comp_1921791.jpg Classes - Kickstarting Your Business Once you have the money, then what? We outline clear defined pathways for you to takeoff your new business adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582311731414-84WHK7KV0NTE00GA50IA/Stocksy_comp_1959252.jpg Classes - Ideation Do you have ideas but don’t know how to solidify your thoughts together? In this class, we teach you how to piece-meal thoughts together to define what would make a solid business idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582311817842-SHLZTWPGX9RRDAOA7MRV/Stocksy_comp_1937562.jpg Classes - Business Planning 101 Taking the next step in creating a business: your business model. How does your business idea begin and how do you outline your goals and strategic planning from 1 year to 5 years from now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1598461346142-9HQCAB1YPVFMERDO6IR4/lounge.jpg Classes - Concept Investment Deciding to invest your business on your own? Through this class, we define major finance and money business plans that help you decide which method works best for your business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1598466891694-RPCVK69AWYG479U8J3CL/smile.jpg Classes - Business Growth 101 Need to expand? Hire employees? Open a second location? We define everything you need to consider when growing your business. https://www.celestarsolar.com/productinformation daily 0.75 2024-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/782677ed-ff1a-4a79-849d-a6a03948deb1/0-Pitched+roof+-+Evanston%2C+IL.jpeg Product Information - Solar Panels There are hundreds of panels to choose from, and we spend countless hours finding the best available products for our customers. We only recommend solar panels that we would put on our own homes, and do not compromise on quality. We rely on almost two decades of experience specifying products and also reference reputable third party testing to guide our product decisions. We love talking about solar technology, so please reach out if you would like to talk further about our recommendations. Learn more about Celestar's choice of solar panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/ecb8b977-516f-4c6c-b4c0-b5d164f76b21/IMG_3162.JPG Product Information - Inverter We chose this inverter because it is the most efficient in the market. In addition to high performance, it also has the most advanced safety features available, has a user friendly app for performance monitoring, integrates seamlessly with energy storage systems, can provide whole home energy monitoring, and has options for integrating batteries and even an electric vehicle charger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/37965603-5a8f-4604-ad68-69afa8c59cb5/Mccain.jpg Product Information - Racking System The solar panels will be supported by a low profile, racking system that is structurally secured to your roof with all stainless steel hardware. The primary racking systems we use are all black to match the black frame of your panels. A roof can be a harsh environment so we only recommend the highest quality components that have a proven track record in the industry. Along with the racking system we use the highest quality flashings and sealants to ensure a leak-proof installation. https://www.celestarsolar.com/gallery daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/d0bef098-0ac5-4271-8bce-a84a6d896b03/0-Pitched+roof%2C+flush+mount+-+Chicago.JPG Gallery Pitched roof - Chicago, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/14d48d40-c26a-4613-b1e8-fc58c8cede5d/John+Benson.jpg Gallery Flat roof - Evanston, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/88c28465-2a18-41e5-8557-acd59f7091f7/IMG_4984.JPG Gallery Historic bungalow - Chicago, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/46c55b3d-ded6-49a0-84f3-eab8f4521ce8/0-Pitched+roof+-+Evanston%2C+IL.jpeg Gallery Pitched roof - Evanston, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/fba8adaa-c7c3-4d53-93d4-df3996245d2b/0-Pitch+roof+flush+mount+-+Evanston%2C+IL.JPG Gallery Pitched roof flush mount - Evanston, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/a4303eea-6619-4496-a45e-bdecb16337ab/0-Flat+roof+tilt-up+on+posts+-+Northbrook%2C+IL.png Gallery Flat roof tilt-up on posts- Northbrook, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/14abf320-c75b-448d-91a6-2f1aa9795c29/IMG_1102.JPG Gallery Ground mount in native prairie - Lake Forest, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1c98bdec-97e1-4148-a759-1eaa6cc55397/0-Pitched+roof+flush+mount+-+Park+Ridge%2C+IL.png Gallery Pitched roof flush mount - Park Ridge, IL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/ddd84917-7b64-4966-bcf7-b15276ec7bdb/0-Ground+mount+-+Lake+Forest%2C+IL.JPG Gallery Commercial Flat Roof - Northbrook, IL https://www.celestarsolar.com/contact daily 0.75 2022-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4c424adc39513f8a9c866b/1582149708247-66XVXLCDO1SB6TJ4PRR2/Stocksy_comp_1921791.jpg Contact https://www.celestarsolar.com/incentives daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/1670875118381-EHCXAR2MIU74M3MBQBBB/unsplash-image-t2b1Z-jPT-w.jpg Incentives - Federal Tax Credit The Federal Tax Credit will apply to the total cost of the system for as long as you have the tax liability. This is not a deduction, but a check the IRS will send you when you file your tax returns. The Inflation Reduction Act recently increased the tax credit from 26% to a full 30% of your system cost. There is no better time than now to get your solar system installed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/819e3ae9-9be2-432e-ad5c-64207637be2d/AdobeStock_276818517.jpg Incentives - Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) The Solar Renewable Energy Credit incentive is a state run program that pays you cash for the first 15 years of “carbon offsets” generated by your clean power system. These carbon offsets help the state and ComEd meet their renewable energy goals. We will complete all paperwork required to secure this incentive for you. You will be pre-approved prior to us starting work on your project, and the incentive will be paid you shortly after your solar system is energized. Download the brochure to find more information from the state that outlines the program in more detail, and we would be happy to answer questions as well. https://www.celestarsolar.com/products-racking-system daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/fb5263a7-d016-48c9-a28f-6169ffe2682c/John+Benson+Drone.jpg Products - Racking System - Solar Racking System We have a variety of solar racking system to choose from, and will select the best system to fit your application. We are not beholden to a certain company and try to fit their design to your home even if it is not the best available option. We keep all our options open to ensure your system is a perfect fit for your home. The racking systems we use all have something special about them, like integrated wire channel that allows us to conceal the panel wiring or a special hidden clamping system that allows us to flush trim the rails to the solar panels giving a very streamlined look. These details are important as your system cannot just work well it needs to look good too! https://www.celestarsolar.com/products-solar-panels daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/e750ac3d-0e99-4e71-8476-9bf3f59f5f16/rec00015_images_block1a_202104.png Products - Solar Panels - rec Alphα® pure Series REC Solar makes one of the best solar panels in the world. Each year the independent testing laboratory DNV GL publishes the "PV Module Reliability Scorecard", where solar modules are subjected to rigorous testing and then rated. REC has been awarded "top performer" (the best possible rating) 5 of the last 5 years of this testing. The REC Alpha also has one of the best warranties available with a 25 year power output warranty and also a 25 year workmanship warranty. The power output warranty states that the panel will produce a market leading 92% of its rated power after 25 years. This is remarkable considering most panels produce only 80% after 25 years. A key distinction of this panel is that the cells are made from two different silicon crystal types. This allows for greater energy harvest during varying light conditions and better response to temperature. All solar panels lose some maximum power potential as they get hot (i.e when it is sunny), but the REC panel loses much less power due to heat because of their unique cell architecture. So with REC you get more power on day 1 due to better temperature and light response, and you also get more energy over time due to the panels design and the quality materials used in construction. This panel has a black frame and black backsheet so it has a very nice appearance as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/e472aabf-0f45-4652-8542-f593fa9866e4/Screen+Shot+2022-05-05+at+12.15.47+PM.png Products - Solar Panels - QCELLS SOLAR PANELS The QCells panels are engineered in Germany and manufactured in South Korea and the US. They fall into the upper range performance category, but come at a slightly lower cost. With their excellent warranty and performance they are as good as it gets before you enter into the "premium" class. As mentioned above, all solar panels degrade slightly over time and most have a warranty that says they will produce 80% of their rated power after 25 years. The Q Cell will produce 86% or more at year 25, which means you will get more energy over time than most of the competition. They have a black frame and black backsheet so look nice as well. https://www.celestarsolar.com/products-inverter daily 0.75 2022-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/8d10b751-cc80-40ec-afd8-a28dcb15341c/Inverter.png Products - Inverter - Solar Edge Single Phase Inverters with HD-Wave Technology The solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity so your system will need an inverter to convert DC to alternating current (AC) for use in your home. The inverter we typically recommend is made by SolarEdge and includes panel level power optimizers. SolarEdge makes the most efficient inverter in the world (99%), and it is also one of the safest. The optimizers will allow each solar panel to work at their maximum efficiency, and also will allow the system to be shut down at the panel level if needed. The inverter comes with a 12 year warranty and the optimizers a 25 year warranty. https://www.celestarsolar.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2022-06-09 https://www.celestarsolar.com/request-inspection daily 0.75 2022-06-01 https://www.celestarsolar.com/request-maintenance daily 0.75 2022-06-01 https://www.celestarsolar.com/testimonials-copy2 daily 0.75 2022-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6260a402e1b81e4dd778aee1/c162650c-867e-4d65-9469-13af83a81669/Frame+8646.png Testimonials (copy2) - Solar Panels There are hundreds of panels to choose from, and we spend countless hours finding the best available products to recommend. We only recommend solar panels that we would put on our own homes, and do not compromise on quality. We rely on almost two decades of experience specifying products and also reputable third party testing to guide our product decisions. We love talking about solar technology, so please reach out if you would like to talk further about our recommendations. Learn more about Celestar's choice of solar panels.