Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Homer, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A nationally-operating solar provider with a strong presence in the Midwest. They offer a comprehensive, tech-forward approach with a proprietary platform for system design and monitoring. Their strength lies in handling the entire process from consultation to installation and financing, making solar adoption streamlined for homeowners.
Leveraging the trusted, locally-known brand of CertaPro Painters, CertaSolar provides residential solar solutions with an emphasis on customer service and professional project management. They benefit from established local business relationships and a reputation for reliability.
A locally-owned and operated company based in Illinois and Missouri, known for its strong advocacy for renewable energy and high-quality installations. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance. Their team is highly knowledgeable about Illinois-specific incentives like net metering and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
** The home solar market in Homer, Illinois, is representative of the broader rural and semi-rural markets in Central Illinois. Homeowners do not have access to a large number of *local* installers and typically rely on reputable regional companies from hubs like Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington, or the St. Louis metro area, as identified above. The competition level is moderate, with a handful of established players vying for business, which helps maintain service quality and competitive pricing. The average quality of providers serving the area is high, as companies must maintain strong state licensing (Illinois requires a roofing license for solar installers) and reputations to attract customers across a wider geographic area. 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, depending on system size and energy needs. The knowledge and application of state-specific incentives, particularly the adjustment to net metering rules and the value of SRECs, are critical differentiators among top-tier providers in this market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Homer regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Homer, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Homer, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to significantly reduce this cost. While Illinois does not have a state-wide solar tax credit, homeowners in Homer served by Ameren Illinois can benefit from net metering and may qualify for SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) income through the state's Adjustable Block Program, providing long-term savings.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so Homer's winters can be beneficial for production on clear days, though shorter daylight hours reduce total output. The region receives ample sun during spring, summer, and fall, which generates the majority of your annual energy. Snow will temporarily cover panels, but their slick surface and angled installation typically lead to quick shedding, and the reflective snow can even boost production afterward.
Installation requires compliance with Village of Homer building and electrical codes, so a building permit is necessary. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. As a homeowner, you must also coordinate with your utility, Ameren Illinois, for interconnection approval to ensure your system is safely tied to the grid and eligible for net metering. There are no restrictive homeowner association (HOA) solar rights laws in Illinois, but it's wise to check your local covenants.
Prioritize providers with proven local experience in Champaign County and familiarity with Ameren Illinois's interconnection process. Look for licensed, insured, and certified installers (like NABCEP certification) and insist on multiple detailed quotes. Always check local references and reviews to gauge their reputation for service and support, as a local or regional company may offer more responsive long-term maintenance than a distant national firm.
Going completely off-grid is technically possible but often impractical and cost-prohibitive for most Homer homeowners due to the need for a very large battery bank to store enough energy for multiple cloudy winter days. Remaining connected to the Ameren Illinois grid through a net-metered system is the most reliable and cost-effective approach, using the grid as a virtual battery for backup while ensuring power is always available.