Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in El Paso, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightUp Solar is a leading Illinois-based solar installer known for its employee-owned structure and deep expertise in both residential and commercial systems. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing ethical and sustainable business practices. They provide comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and leveraging state-specific incentives like Illinois Shines.
A highly-rated local installer based in Bloomington-Normal, Rethink Electric specializes in custom residential solar and battery solutions. They are known for exceptional customer service and meticulous installation quality. Their services encompass everything from energy efficiency assessments to full system design and installation, with a strong focus on educating homeowners.
Sun Badger Solar is a national installer with a strong regional presence in the Midwest, including Illinois. They offer a full suite of residential solar services and have partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers. They are recognized for their streamlined process and expertise in navigating financing options and solar incentives for homeowners.
** The home solar market in El Paso, Illinois, is characteristic of a smaller rural community served by reputable regional installers. There are no major national "big box" installers with physical offices in El Paso itself; instead, the market is efficiently covered by well-established companies from nearby hubs like Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign. The competition level is moderate but healthy, with several high-quality options available to residents. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that succeed in this region tend to be those with strong local reputations, certified installers (often NABCEP certified), and deep knowledge of specific Illinois incentives like the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) and net metering policies. Typical pricing for a residential system in Central Illinois is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and state-level incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $28,000**. The combination of federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the net cost for the homeowner, making solar an increasingly attractive investment in the El Paso area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with El Paso regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in El Paso, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in El Paso, 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 Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment that significantly reduces your net cost. Additionally, El Paso residents benefit from Illinois' property tax exemption for the added home value from solar.
El Paso experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Solar panels are very effective here, as they operate efficiently in cold, sunny weather and summer production is excellent. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and annual production is strong, with the sunnier spring and summer months generating the majority of your annual energy.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Woodford County. They should understand local permitting with the City of El Paso and interconnection processes with your utility (likely Ameren Illinois). Ask for references from recent local installations, verify they are an approved vendor for the Illinois Shines program, and compare detailed proposals that include equipment warranties, production estimates, and a clear timeline.
For a home in El Paso, the entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the city, ordering equipment, the physical installation (which usually takes 1-3 days), and finally the inspection and approval ("interconnection") from Ameren Illinois. Seasonal factors can influence timing, with high demand in spring potentially extending schedules.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, so you would not have power unless you add a critical component: a solar battery storage system. Adding a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar, allows you to store excess solar energy to power essential circuits in your El Paso home during an outage. This is a valuable consideration given Illinois' seasonal storms.