Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Franklin Grove, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated national company with a strong regional presence in the Midwest. They are known for their comprehensive service from initial consultation to installation and maintenance, with an emphasis on customer education and high-quality equipment.
An established, employee-owned company based in the Quad Cities with a strong reputation across Illinois and Iowa. They are recognized for their expertise in complex installations and deep knowledge of local incentives and grid-tie policies.
A well-regarded local Illinois contractor specializing in renewable energy systems. They offer a more personalized service approach and are known for their maintenance, repair, and cleaning services post-installation.
The home solar market in Franklin Grove, IL, and its surrounding Lee County region is best characterized as a developing market served by reputable regional and statewide contractors rather than hyper-local companies. Due to the rural nature of the area, competition is moderate but features several high-quality, established providers from nearby hubs like Rochelle, the Quad Cities, and the greater Chicagoland area. The average quality of service is high, as these companies have built their reputations on serving multiple communities across state lines. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size and complexity. Homeowners have good access to expertise on state-specific incentives, such as net metering policies, and a variety of financing options, including loans and leases.
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 Grove regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Franklin Grove, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Franklin Grove, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Illinois also offers a unique state incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides a fixed payment per kilowatt-hour generated over 15 years, significantly improving your return on investment. Local net metering policies from your utility further enhance savings.
Franklin Grove's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While winter snow and shorter days reduce production, panels are efficient in cold weather and snow usually melts quickly on dark panels. The abundant sunny summer months generate substantial surplus energy, which you can bank as credits with your utility via net metering to offset winter usage. Annual production is strong and predictable when properly sized.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Lee County, as they will understand specific utility interconnection processes (like those with ComEd or a local co-op) and Franklin Grove's building permit requirements. Verify they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. Ask for references from recent installations in the area and ensure they handle the complete Illinois Shines incentive paperwork for you.
From contract to activation, plan for 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing Franklin Grove building permits, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility interconnection. The utility's approval to interconnect ("Permission to Operate") can be a variable factor, but a seasoned local installer will manage this process efficiently.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall. For snow, Franklin Grove's angled roofs and the panels' slick glass surface typically allow snow to slide off naturally within a few days; manual removal is generally not recommended due to safety and panel damage risks. Your system is designed to account for seasonal snow cover in its annual production estimates.