When Kurt Garber began preparing to move into his new home in Gurnee, IL, solar was already on the checklist. But with no past energy bills to reference, and several home renovations still underway, he needed a solar power company that could do more than just quote a system—he needed a team that could collaborate, forecast, and tailor a residential solar panel installation solution that made sense for his future lifestyle.
Kurt was referred to ilumen Solar by Aloha Restoration, a local contractor and fellow Barrington Chamber connection already working on his home. That trusted referral opened the door, but what won Kurt over was the experience that followed—our team’s flexibility, proximity, and commitment to getting it right. We worked with Kurt on terms that fit his needs, took the time to align on energy expectations, and stayed responsive throughout.
Designing a solar system without usage history required extra care. Because the home didn’t yet have a utility bill history, we collaborated closely with Kurt to estimate his future energy needs based on anticipated usage and renovation upgrades. That collaboration laid the groundwork for a well-sized, future-ready solar array.
To ensure the system fit both the structure and the aesthetic of the home, we completed multiple site visits. Tree shade patterns, roof angles, and layout options were all carefully reviewed. The challenge was to maximize usable roof space while maintaining a clean, aesthetic design. Kurt was part of that conversation throughout, giving input as we adjusted and refined the plan together.
After installation, we encountered one final hurdle, during inspection the village required updated smoke alarms in every necessary room. With move-in day on the horizon and time tight, we called in a contractor partner to handle the updates quickly, keeping the project timeline intact.
Kurt’s system was completed and ready to go before he officially moved in, delivering exactly what he hoped for—solar savings from the start. He’s now enjoying the benefits of solar with clean energy flowing and future savings in place. Even more meaningful for us was hearing how the experience landed:
“ilumen Solar just completed the install of my Solar System and let me tell you, they absolutely delivered! From start to finish, the process was professional and efficient. Working with Zach, Dan and the rest of the team was truly a pleasure. They kept me informed at each stage of the project and very thoroughly explained each step through completion and beyond. They patiently and thoroughly answered the countless questions I threw at them and even took care of submissions for some of the rebates I qualified for. I am absolutely delighted with the experience I had with ilumen Solar and I encourage anyone considering installing Solar on their home to give these guys your business. Your experience will be a fantastic one!”
Want to see how it all came together? Check out the photos below for a look at Kurt’s finished solar system and the thoughtful layout that brought his vision to life.
Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading your current home, ilumen Solar can help you take the next step. Reach out today to talk through your goals—we’ll help you build the right plan without the pressure.
