Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Evansville, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Straight Up Solar is a leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in Southern Illinois. They are a employee-owned company known for their expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, emphasizing quality installation and customer education. They are deeply knowledgeable about Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
Sunbadger Solar is a national company with a strong local branch that serves the Illinois market. They offer a streamlined process from consultation to installation and are known for their robust financing options and leasing programs. They provide comprehensive services including energy efficiency assessments.
This is a top-tier, locally-operated SunPower Master Dealer. SunPower is renowned for manufacturing the most efficient solar panels on the market, and their dealers are held to high certification standards. They offer premium system design, installation, and the comprehensive SunPower warranty.
** The home solar market in Evansville, IL, and the surrounding Southern Illinois region is characterized by a reliance on reputable regional and national installers rather than a high density of local, single-city companies. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with several established players vying for business. These companies are well-versed in the specific incentives available to Illinois residents, primarily the **Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program)** which provides substantial solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system could cost between $15,000 and $21,000 gross. However, after applying the 30% federal tax credit and Illinois Shines incentives, the net cost to the homeowner can be significantly reduced, often by 50% or more. The market is mature enough that all top providers offer a full suite of services, including battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall) and various financing options, making solar accessible for a range of budgets.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Evansville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Evansville, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Evansville, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from strong state incentives, including the Illinois Shines program (which provides a "buy-down" rebate based on system size) and a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost can be significantly reduced, often by 40-50%.
Evansville's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunny days. Production peaks in the long, sunny summer days, generating surplus energy. 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. The key is that your system is sized based on your annual usage, with net metering crediting your summer surplus to offset your winter consumption.
Prioritize installers who are locally licensed, insured, and have extensive experience with Ameren Illinois's interconnection and net metering process. Look for established companies with strong Evansville references and physical local presence for reliable service. Verify they are certified by major manufacturers (like SunPower or Panasonic) and thoroughly understand Illinois' specific incentive paperwork, which they should handle for you.
The full process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and permitting with local Evansville/Vanderburgh County authorities, the physical installation often takes just 1-3 days. The longest phase is usually waiting for Ameren Illinois to approve the interconnection agreement and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. A reputable local installer will manage this timeline and keep you informed.
Net metering is a major benefit for Evansville homeowners. Your system connects to the grid, and Ameren Illinois provides a credit on your bill for any excess kilowatt-hours (kWh) you send back to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to "bank" surplus summer production to use during higher-consumption winter months. At your annual "true-up" date, any remaining credits are granted to you at a lower wholesale rate, so proper system sizing is key.