Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Highland, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer known for comprehensive in-house services, from custom design and installation to maintenance. They have a strong reputation for customer education and handling the entire process, including permit acquisition and incentive paperwork.
A highly-rated, customer-focused electrical contractor that has expanded significantly into premium residential solar and battery installations. They are known for meticulous workmanship and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, including Generac PWRcell systems.
A certified B Corporation and one of the most prominent solar installers in the St. Louis Metro-East area. They are recognized for their strong advocacy for solar rights and deep knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives. They offer robust design, installation, and maintenance services.
The home solar market in Highland, Illinois, is **moderately competitive and of high quality**, served primarily by established regional contractors rather than national corporations. This is advantageous for consumers, as local companies often provide more personalized service and have a stronger understanding of local building codes and utility requirements (Ameren Illinois). The average cost for a residential system typically falls between **$15,000 and $25,000** before the 30% federal tax credit, with system sizes ranging from 6kW to 12kW being common. Competition helps keep pricing fair, and the quality of installation is generally high due to stringent state licensing requirements for electrical work. Homeowners in Highland have access to strong incentives, including net metering from Ameren, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and the sale of SRECs, making solar a financially attractive investment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Highland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Highland, Illinois.
For a typical Highland home, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Illinois offers a unique state incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands of dollars over the system's life. Additionally, Highland's municipal utility, HMLP, offers a net metering program to credit you for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Solar panels are very effective in Highland's climate. They generate electricity from sunlight, not heat, so they perform well year-round. While snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and winter sunlight still contributes to production. The humid summers have minimal impact, and the ample sunny days in the Midwest provide excellent energy production, with systems typically offsetting 80-100% of a home's annual usage.
Installing solar in Highland requires a building permit from the City's Community Development Department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process, which ensures the system meets local building and electrical codes. You do not need a permit from HMLP (Highland Municipal Light & Power) to interconnect, but you must submit an application to them for net metering approval before your system can be activated and start crediting your bill.
Look for installers with strong local experience, proper licensing (Illinois requires an electrical contractor license), and certifications like NABCEP. Ask for references from recent installations in Highland or nearby towns like Troy or Trenton to verify their work with HMLP's specific requirements. Always get multiple detailed quotes and ensure they include a production estimate specific to Highland's weather patterns and a clear explanation of the Illinois Shines (SREC) process.
No, in Illinois, a home solar installation is exempt from increasing your property tax assessment due to the state's solar energy system property tax exemption. Regarding hail, quality panels are rigorously tested to withstand hail up to 1 inch in diameter at high speeds. Your installer should use panels with a high hail rating, and the system will be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy, just like your roof, so it's important to notify your insurer after installation.