The Best Home Solar in Johnston City, IL

Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Johnston City, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

Straight Up Solar

4.8
(200 reviews)
Verified

A leading local and employee-owned solar installer serving Illinois and Missouri. They are highly regarded for their expertise, customer service, and comprehensive approach to solar and battery storage installations. They have extensive knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives, including net metering.

216 N Pennsylvania Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901 (Primary Southern IL office; serves Johnston City)

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions

Business Information

Years in Business:10 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

Rethink Electric

4.7
(150 reviews)
Verified

A reputable solar and electrical contractor known for high-quality residential installations and excellent customer reviews. They focus on custom system design and are proficient with both roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems.

120 N Division St, Carterville, IL 62918 (Very close to Johnston City)

Specialties & Features

Solar energy system design and consultation
Residential solar panel installation
Energy efficiency assessments

Business Information

Years in Business:8 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Sunbadger Solar

4.4
(50 reviews)
Verified

A national company with a strong regional presence and a reputation for streamlining the solar process. They offer robust financing options and leverage their national scale to provide competitive pricing and warranty options.

Serves Southern Illinois, including Johnston City (No physical storefront in Johnston City, but operates throughout the region)

Specialties & Features

Solar financing and leasing options
Residential solar panel installation
Professional licensing and certifications

Business Information

Years in Business:10 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Johnston City

** The home solar market in Johnston City, and Southern Illinois more broadly, is a developing but competitive landscape. It is characterized by a mix of a few dedicated local/regional installers and several national companies that service the area. The average quality of providers is quite high, with top-tier companies holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and offering strong warranties (often 25 years on panels and performance). **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of installers physically located in Johnston City, residents have access to several highly-rated companies within a 30-minute drive, ensuring competitive quotes and service options. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar panel system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000** for a typical 6kW to 8kW system before incentives. The final price is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. The key factor making solar attractive in Illinois is the strong state incentive: the **Illinois Shines** rebate program, which provides significant upfront cash incentives on top of the 30% federal solar tax credit. Reputable installers like those listed above are experts in navigating these incentives for their customers.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Johnston City regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Johnston City

Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Johnston City, Illinois.

1What is the average cost of a home solar system in Johnston City, and are there any local incentives?

For a typical 6-8 kW system in Johnston City, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal tax credit to significantly reduce this. While Illinois state incentives like the Illinois Shines program have closed to new applicants, you should check with Ameren Illinois for any current rebates or net metering policies specific to our area, which can provide long-term savings on your electric bill.

2How does Southern Illinois's climate, with its four seasons and occasional storms, affect solar panel performance?

Solar panels work efficiently in cold, sunny weather, making our clear winter days productive. Summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, but longer daylight hours lead to higher overall summer production. For storm concerns, modern panels are rated for hail and high winds; a key local consideration is ensuring your installer properly assesses your roof's structure and uses robust mounting hardware to withstand our region's occasional severe weather.

3What should I look for when choosing a solar installer serving Johnston City?

Prioritize installers licensed in Illinois with strong local experience in Williamson County. They will understand specific local building codes, Ameren Illinois's interconnection process, and optimal system designs for our climate. Always get multiple quotes, verify references from nearby installations, and confirm they handle all permitting and inspections with the Johnston City building department to ensure a smooth process.

4How long does the entire process take from signing a contract to turning the system on in Johnston City?

From contract to activation typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the Johnston City building department, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the inspection and approval ("interconnection") from Ameren Illinois. Seasonal weather can cause minor delays, so planning installations in spring or fall can sometimes streamline the process.

5Will solar panels work during a power outage, and how does net metering work with Ameren Illinois?

Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a battery backup. For outage protection, you would need to invest in a battery storage solution. Under net metering with Ameren Illinois, your system's excess energy sent to the grid earns you credits that offset your usage at night or on cloudy days, effectively rolling your meter backward and maximizing your financial return over the year.