Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lincoln, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightLine Solar is a highly-rated, Peoria-based company that serves central Illinois, including Lincoln. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and engineering to installation and maintenance. They emphasize quality equipment and a customer-centric approach, with strong expertise in navigating state and federal incentives.
CertaSolar operates out of nearby Springfield and is a prominent solar installer for central Illinois. They offer turnkey solutions and are recognized for their strong manufacturer partnerships, providing high-efficiency panels and robust warranty options. They specialize in both grid-tied and off-grid systems for residential clients.
Based in Bloomington-Normal, Rethink Electric is a leading provider of residential solar and battery storage solutions. They have a strong local reputation for exceptional customer service and technical expertise, particularly with modern battery systems like Tesla Powerwall. They handle the entire process, including financing and incentive paperwork.
** The home solar market in Lincoln, Illinois, is characteristic of a smaller Midwestern city. There are no major national solar chains with a physical presence directly in Lincoln, creating an opportunity for reputable regional installers from nearby hubs like Peoria, Springfield, and Bloomington to serve the area. The competition level is moderate, with a handful of established, high-quality companies vying for projects. The overall quality of these providers is high, as evidenced by their exceptional review scores and professional certifications (e.g., NABCEP). They are well-versed in Illinois-specific incentives, notably the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which significantly improves the return on investment for homeowners. Typical pricing for a residential system in Lincoln is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and state incentives. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $21,000**. The combination of strong local installers and favorable state incentives makes Lincoln a viable and growing market for residential solar adoption.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lincoln regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lincoln, Illinois.
For an average-sized home in Lincoln, a solar panel system typically costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the energy you produce, and a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is significantly reduced, often by 40-50%.
Solar panels are very effective in Lincoln's climate. They generate electricity from light, 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 their dark surfaces accelerate melting. The ample sunny days in central Illinois, particularly in summer, provide excellent production to offset the shorter, cloudier winter days.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers familiar with Logan County building codes, Ameren Illinois interconnection procedures, and the specific SREC program. Check for proper licensing (Illinois requires an electrical contractor's license), strong warranties (25 years is standard for panels), and a robust portfolio of local installations. Ask for references from neighbors and verify their standing with the Better Business Bureau.
In Lincoln, the full process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, your installer will handle permits from the City of Lincoln and interconnection approval from Ameren Illinois. The physical installation usually takes 1-3 days. The longest wait is often for the final inspection and the utility to install a net meter, which can take several weeks after installation is complete.
No, in Illinois, a home solar installation is exempt from property tax assessments, so your taxes will not increase due to the added value. Multiple national studies, including one from Zillow, show solar panels increase a home's resale value. In the Lincoln market, this can make your property more attractive to energy-conscious buyers, as they will inherit the lower electric bills and the existing SREC income.