Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Eldorado, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned and operated solar installer serving Southern Illinois and the surrounding tri-state area. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house expertise from design to installation, and deep knowledge of local permitting and utility requirements (like Ameren Illinois). They focus on high-quality, custom-designed systems for residential properties.
A well-established regional contractor specializing in both residential and commercial solar projects. They have a strong track record for professional installations and are certified installers for top-tier equipment manufacturers. They offer robust financing options and are adept at navigating state and federal solar incentives.
A certified B Corporation and a leading solar installer in the broader Illinois and Missouri region. While their main office is in St. Louis, they actively serve Southern Illinois communities. They are highly regarded for their commitment to quality, employee training (NABCEP certifications are common), and comprehensive service offerings, including energy efficiency assessments.
** The home solar market in and around Eldorado, Illinois, is characterized by a few high-quality regional specialists rather than a high density of local competitors. Due to Eldorado's size, there are no solar installation companies physically headquartered within the city limits. The market is therefore served by reputable companies from nearby hubs like Marion, Mount Vernon, and the broader St. Louis metro area. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of providers is generally high. The companies that succeed in this regional market tend to have strong reputations, proper licensing, and manufacturer certifications (e.g., for Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, or SunPower). Competition is moderate but professional; homeowners are not typically inundated with door-to-door sales from national "lead generators" as in larger markets. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages. As of late 2023, the average cost for a residential solar system in Illinois is between **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. A typical 6 kW system would have a gross cost between $15,000 and $21,000. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Illinois also has specific net metering rules and may offer additional local utility or state incentives, which the top providers are well-versed in explaining.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Eldorado regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Eldorado, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Eldorado, 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 strong state incentive through the Illinois Shines program, which provides a payment per kilowatt-hour generated over 15 years. Additionally, your system will be exempt from increased property tax assessments in Saline County, protecting your home value.
Eldorado's climate offers excellent solar potential with about 4.5 peak sun hours per day on average. Production peaks in the long, sunny summer days, which helps offset higher air conditioning costs. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient at low temperatures and can still generate significant power on clear, cold days, with annual production being very favorable.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Eldorado and Saline County, as they will understand specific permitting, interconnection with Egyptian Electric Cooperative, and optimal roof designs for our weather. Verify they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. Always check reviews and ask for references from recent local installations to gauge their reliability and customer service post-installation.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Eldorado, ordering equipment, and the physical installation, which usually takes 1-3 days. The final step—receiving "Permission to Operate" from Egyptian Electric Cooperative—can add a few weeks for inspection and meter swap, so planning ahead is key.
Standard grid-tied solar systems will automatically shut off during an outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a valuable addition in Eldorado for backup power during Southern Illinois storms. Discuss this option with your installer, as it can be included in your initial installation or added later.