Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Benson, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in Central Illinois. Sun Solar is known for its comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize educating homeowners and offer a wide range of financing options.
A highly-rated, employee-owned company committed to quality and sustainability. StraightUp Solar is a Certified B Corporation and holds top-tier certifications. They are praised for their professional installation crews, expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup systems, and exceptional customer service.
A full-service solar provider that handles the entire process for homeowners, including securing rebates and incentives. CertaSun partners with high-quality manufacturers and offers robust warranty packages. They are a solid choice for homeowners seeking a straightforward, managed solar installation experience.
** The home solar market in and around Benson, Illinois, is characteristic of a rural-to-suburban transition area. The market is **moderately competitive**, not saturated with dozens of local installers, but served effectively by a handful of established regional companies from hubs like Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and the Metro-East area near St. Louis. The average quality of service is high, as these companies have built their reputations on serving multiple communities across a wide geographic area. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Illinois is competitive, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size and complexity. The state's strong net metering policies and the availability of the 30% federal tax credit make solar an attractive financial investment. Homeowners in Benson benefit from these state-wide incentives, and the top providers are well-versed in navigating them. The market is primarily focused on **grid-tied systems** with a growing interest in battery storage for backup power, given the potential for rural power outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Benson regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Benson, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Benson, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, Illinois offers strong incentives, including a 30% federal tax credit and the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment that significantly reduces your net cost. Additionally, Woodford County has no specific local permit fees that would unusually increase the price.
Benson experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and winter production can be good on clear days, though shorter daylight hours reduce total output. Summer provides the highest production despite some heat-related efficiency loss. Snow will temporarily cover panels, but their slick surface and angle typically lead to quick shedding, and they are rated to handle Illinois' hail and wind.
Prioritize Illinois-licensed, insured, and NABCEP-certified installers with strong local experience. They will understand specific Woodford County building codes, interconnection processes with your utility (likely Ameren Illinois or Corn Belt Energy), and how to maximize the Illinois Shines incentive. Always check local references, read reviews, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate tailored to your home's specific roof orientation and shading in Benson.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and signing, your installer will handle permits from the Village of Benson and Woodford County. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days. The longest phase is waiting for Ameren Illinois or your local utility to approve the interconnection agreement and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. Planning for a spring installation can ensure your system is ready for peak summer sun.
With a standard grid-tied system, your solar panels will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, to prevent sending electricity back to the grid and endangering utility workers. To have power during an outage, you must install a dedicated solar battery backup system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a valuable consideration in Benson, where severe thunderstorms and winter storms can cause localized outages.