Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Champaign, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A nationally recognized solar installer with a strong local presence. Sunbadger handles the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance, emphasizing a streamlined, technology-driven customer experience. They are known for their expertise in navigating Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
A leading regional, employee-owned solar installer based in Illinois and Missouri. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting a strong commitment to social and environmental performance. StraightUp Solar is highly regarded for its technical expertise and offers comprehensive services for both grid-tied and off-grid systems.
A highly-rated local Champaign electrical contractor that has expanded significantly into solar and battery installations. Their deep roots in the community and expertise as a full-service electrical company make them a trusted choice for integrated solar and home energy system upgrades.
** The home solar market in Champaign, Illinois, is robust and growing, driven by state-level incentives like the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) and net metering policies. The competition is moderate to high, with a mix of strong national providers, established regional installers, and skilled local electrical contractors expanding into solar. This diversity offers homeowners a good range of options in terms of service style and company size. The presence of the University of Illinois contributes to a tech-savvy consumer base interested in energy efficiency and renewables. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit and state incentives, which can significantly reduce the net cost. Overall, the market is characterized by reputable, professional companies capable of delivering high-quality installations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Champaign regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Champaign, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Champaign, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Illinois also offers a unique state incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides upfront "Adjustable Block" payments for the renewable energy credits your system will generate, often amounting to thousands of dollars in additional savings, making the net cost significantly lower.
Champaign receives ample sunshine for effective solar production, averaging about 190 sunny days per year—more than the national average. While winter snow can temporarily cover panels, their dark surfaces and angled installation promote quick melting and shedding. Importantly, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and bright, clear winter days can yield strong production, while the long summer days provide the bulk of your annual energy generation.
Installing solar in Champaign requires compliance with City of Champaign building and electrical codes. You will need to obtain a building permit from the Champaign Building Safety Division. Additionally, your system must be approved by your utility provider, Ameren Illinois, for interconnection to the grid under their net metering program, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, as they understand Champaign's specific permitting, utility rules, and climate. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Ask for references from recent installations in the area and review their track record with the Illinois Shines program. It's also wise to get multiple detailed quotes to compare equipment, warranties, and projected production specific to your home's layout and shading.
Ameren Illinois offers net metering, which is crucial for solar economics. Your system will send excess daytime power to the grid, and you'll receive a credit on your bill to offset power you draw at night or on cloudy days. Credits roll over monthly, and once a year in April, Ameren will issue a "true-up" statement; any remaining credits are paid out at a lower wholesale rate, so it's best to size your system to match your annual usage, not over-produce significantly.