Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Franklin, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sun Solar is a leading regional installer based in Springfield, IL, with a strong presence throughout central Illinois. They offer a comprehensive turnkey service from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their expertise in navigating Illinois-specific incentives like solar renewable energy credits (SRECs).
Straight Up Solar is a highly-rated, employee-owned company based in Illinois and Missouri, known for its commitment to quality and customer education. They specialize in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and are certified installers for premium equipment like Tesla Powerwall and Panasonic panels. Their strong focus on design and customer service makes them a top contender.
Rethink Electric is a local Illinois contractor that has successfully pivoted to become a specialist in residential solar and battery storage. As a full-service electrical contractor, they bring robust expertise to the electrical integration aspects of a solar installation. They are particularly strong on the maintenance, repair, and energy assessment side of the business.
** The home solar market in Franklin, Illinois, is characteristic of a smaller Midwestern city: it is a developing market with moderate competition primarily from established regional installers rather than national giants. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that succeed in this region tend to be those with proven track records and deep knowledge of state-level incentives, such as the Illinois Shines program. Competition is sufficient to provide homeowners with choice, but not so saturated that pricing is aggressively discounted. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and other state incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $35,000** for an average-sized system. The combination of federal and state incentives significantly reduces the net cost for homeowners, making solar an increasingly attractive investment in the Franklin 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 Franklin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Franklin, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Franklin, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides a significant upfront payment that can reduce your net cost by 30-40%. Additionally, you are eligible for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), making solar a strong financial investment in our area.
Franklin experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and cloudier winters. Solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and will produce energy year-round. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover (which typically slides off angled panels), the abundant summer sun generates surplus credits. Illinois' net metering rules ensure you bank these summer credits with your utility to offset winter usage, making the annual production cycle very effective.
Yes, a building permit is required for a rooftop solar installation in Franklin. The process is typically handled by your chosen installer, who will be familiar with the specific requirements of the Franklin Building Department and any local zoning ordinances. They will also manage the necessary interconnection agreement with Ameren Illinois, our local utility, which is a mandatory step to connect your system to the grid and participate in net metering.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with Illinois' SREC (Illinois Shines) program paperwork, as this is critical for your incentive. Look for established local or regional companies with strong references in Morgan County, as they will be best versed in local permitting, utility requirements, and roof types common to our older homes. Always get multiple detailed quotes and verify their certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
No. Illinois has a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems. According to the Illinois Solar Energy Association, the added value from your solar installation will not increase your property tax assessment. This state law protects your investment and ensures the financial benefits of your system are not diminished by higher property taxes in Franklin or anywhere in Morgan County.