Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Barry, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar and electrical contractor based in Quincy, IL. They specialize in full-service residential solar installations, from initial consultation and system design to professional installation and maintenance. They are known for their expertise in navigating state-specific incentives and their commitment to customer education.
A reputable solar installation company serving central and western Illinois, including the Barry area. They offer a turnkey approach, handling everything from energy efficiency assessments and custom design to installation and interconnection. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A certified B Corporation and one of the leading solar installers in the St. Louis Metro-East and Illinois region. They are known for their strong advocacy for renewable energy and their technical expertise, particularly with complex installations and battery backup systems like the Tesla Powerwall.
** The home solar market in Barry, Illinois, is representative of many rural and semi-rural Midwest communities. There are no solar installers physically headquartered within the small city limits of Barry itself. Therefore, homeowners are served by reputable regional companies from hubs like Quincy, Springfield, and the St. Louis Metro-East area. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While the number of physical storefronts is low, several high-quality regional providers actively compete for projects in the area, leading to competitive pricing and good service options. **Average Quality:** The quality of service available to Barry residents is high. The top regional providers are well-established, professionally licensed, and carry certifications from organizations like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), ensuring industry-standard best practices. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages. As of 2024, the average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois before incentives is between **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**. For a typical 10 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000**. The net cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program (Solar Renewable Energy Credits - SRECs), which can reduce the final price by 40-50%. All top providers will provide detailed quotes and are well-versed in these financial incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Barry regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Barry, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Barry, the gross cost before incentives is typically between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Illinois offers a unique state incentive: the "Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)" program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment that significantly reduces your net cost. Additionally, Barry residents benefit from Illinois' property tax exemption for the added home value from solar.
Barry experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Solar panels are very effective here, as they operate efficiently in cold, sunny weather and summer production is excellent. The main seasonal consideration is winter snow cover, which can temporarily reduce output until the snow slides off the angled panels or is cleared. Annual production will be lower in winter months but is more than compensated for by strong spring and summer generation.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the City of Barry, and your installer will typically handle this process. The critical local consideration is your utility provider, which is likely Ameren Illinois. You must follow Ameren's specific interconnection application process to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with Ameren Illinois interconnection. Look for companies familiar with Pike County's permitting process and ask for references from local projects. It's essential to choose an installer that is an approved vendor under the Illinois Shines program to ensure you can access the state SREC incentive.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system. For Barry's severe thunderstorms and tornado risks, panels are rated to withstand hail and high winds (typically up to 140+ mph when properly installed). A qualified local installer will ensure your racking system meets all local building codes for wind and snow loads to protect your investment.