Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Carthage, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
RPS Solar is a leading regional provider based in Quincy, IL, with a strong focus on residential and agricultural solar installations. They are known for their comprehensive service, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. Their team is highly knowledgeable about local incentives and utility interconnection processes.
Based in Dubuque, IA, Eagle Point Solar has a significant presence across Illinois and Iowa. They are recognized for their high-quality installations and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They offer extensive financing options and work with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
Serving Illinois and Missouri from their Macomb location, Midwest Wind and Solar provides personalized service for residential customers. They specialize in the entire solar lifecycle, including ongoing maintenance, repair, and cleaning services, which is a valuable offering for long-term system health.
The home solar market in Carthage, Illinois, is characteristic of a rural community: there are no dedicated solar installers physically located within the city limits. Instead, the market is efficiently served by established regional companies from nearby hubs like Quincy, Macomb, and Dubuque. The competition level is moderate but healthy, with several qualified providers actively competing for projects in the area. These companies are well-versed in working with Hancock County utilities and understanding the specific needs of rural homeowners, including larger land-based systems. Typical pricing for a residential system in Illinois is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. However, the net cost is significantly reduced by the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and additional state-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program (Adjustable Block Program), which provides renewable energy credits (SRECs) that can further offset the initial investment by thousands of dollars. All top providers will have extensive knowledge of 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 Carthage regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Carthage, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Carthage, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Illinois offers a unique state incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands of dollars over the system's life. Additionally, Hancock County and Carthage have no special local taxes on solar installations, helping to keep costs manageable.
Carthage experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and colder, cloudier winters. Your system will produce the most energy from late spring through early fall, which helps offset higher air conditioning costs. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and snow usually melts quickly off the angled panels, minimizing long-term impact on your annual energy output.
Installing solar in Carthage requires a building permit from the City of Carthage. Your installer will typically handle this process. Importantly, you will need to interconnect with your local utility, likely Ameren Illinois or Hancock County Electric Cooperative, following their specific application and technical requirements. Illinois has strong net metering rules, which require these utilities to credit you at the full retail rate for any excess power you send back to the grid.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with the interconnection processes for Ameren Illinois or your local electric co-op. Ask for references from recent installations in Hancock County and verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). It's wise to get multiple quotes and confirm they will handle all local permitting, SREC program enrollment, and utility paperwork for you.
Standard grid-tied solar systems will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have power during outages common to our region's storm seasons, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This creates a home microgrid, allowing you to power essential circuits from your solar and battery backup when the main grid is down.