Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ellsworth, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Straight Up Solar is a leading Illinois-based, employee-owned company specializing in comprehensive residential and commercial solar installations. They are highly regarded for their expertise in system design, knowledge of state-specific incentives like Illinois Shines, and a strong focus on customer education. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
While primarily a national solar equipment distributor, CED Greentech's Champaign branch also operates a highly-rated installation division that serves Central Illinois. They have deep industry connections and access to top-tier equipment. Their strength lies in professional system design and installation, backed by their distributor-level expertise and manufacturer partnerships.
A well-established local HVAC and electrical contractor that has expanded into solar energy. They leverage their decades of experience in home energy systems to provide integrated solar solutions. They are a strong choice for homeowners looking for a trusted local company that can also handle related electrical upgrades and energy efficiency assessments.
** The home solar market for a rural community like Ellsworth, Illinois, is primarily served by reputable regional contractors based in larger nearby hubs such as Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, and Peoria. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with several established companies vying for business in Central Illinois. These providers are well-versed in the specific needs of rural and suburban homeowners, including dealing with variable roof types and potential grid interconnection with rural electric cooperatives. Typical pricing for a residential system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (kW) and equipment. However, the effective cost is significantly reduced through the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the state's **Illinois Shines** (Adjustable Block) incentive program, which provides substantial rebates. Reputable installers in this market are distinguished by their expertise in navigating these complex incentive applications. Overall, Ellsworth residents have access to a mature and professional solar market through these regional leaders.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ellsworth regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ellsworth, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Ellsworth, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and Illinois' strong state incentives, including the SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides an upfront payment that significantly reduces your net cost. Additionally, your system is exempt from increased property tax assessments in Illinois, protecting your investment.
Solar panels are very effective in Illinois' climate. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and snow often melts quickly off the slick, angled surfaces. The abundant sunshine during spring, summer, and fall generates the majority of your annual energy, making a system highly productive. Proper system design will account for seasonal sun angles to maximize year-round production.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with the interconnection process for Ameren Illinois, our local utility. Look for companies familiar with McLean County permitting and building codes. It's essential to choose an Illinois Shines Approved Vendor to ensure you qualify for the state's incentive program. Always check local reviews and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, your installer will handle McLean County building permits and submit an interconnection application to Ameren Illinois. The installation itself usually takes 1-3 days. The longest wait is often for Ameren to approve the interconnection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. A reputable local installer will manage this timeline for you.
Going completely off-grid is technically possible but generally not practical or cost-effective for most homes in Ellsworth due to extended periods of cloudy winter weather. A more common and economical approach is to install a grid-tied system with a battery for backup power. This allows you to use solar daily, sell excess power to Ameren via net metering, and have critical power during outages, which is a valuable feature in rural McLean County.