Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Manhattan, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's leading residential solar, battery storage, and energy services companies. They are highly active in the Illinois market and offer a comprehensive suite of services, from consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and various financing plans, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases.
A highly-rated, regional installer based in Illinois with a strong focus on the Chicagoland and Will County areas. They are known for personalized service, expertise in local incentive programs, and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation. They offer both purchase and loan options.
Previously operating under a local brand, this provider is now part of the ADT Solar network, providing the backing of a national company with local installer expertise. They offer robust warranties, a wide range of financing options, and specialize in both grid-tied and battery-backed systems for energy independence.
The home solar market in Manhattan, Illinois, is characterized by moderate competition, primarily from established national players and a few strong regional installers. As a village within the ComEd utility territory, homeowners benefit from net metering and can participate in the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block) program, which provides significant state-level financial incentives. The average quality of installers serving the area is high, as they must be certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and often hold premium certifications like NABCEP. Typical pricing for a residential system before incentives is in the range of $20,000 to $40,000, heavily dependent on system size and equipment. The combination of federal tax credits (30%) and state REC payments makes the effective net cost for homeowners substantially lower, driving steady market growth.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Manhattan regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Manhattan, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Manhattan, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, significantly reducing the net cost. Illinois also offers net metering, and while the state's adjustable block program (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) is currently closed to new applicants, it's worth checking for any future reopenings or local utility incentives from ComEd.
Manhattan experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and snow will usually melt and slide off tilted panels. The key factor is the number of sunny days; summer offers the highest production, while shorter winter days yield less. Annually, Illinois receives ample sunlight for a strong return, with systems designed to maximize production across the entire year.
Installation requires a building permit from the Village of Manhattan. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Importantly, you must submit an interconnection application to ComEd to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back. There are no specific homeowner association (HOA) restrictions on solar installations in Illinois, as state law protects your right to install them.
Prioritize installers licensed in Illinois with strong local experience in Will County. They should understand local snow load requirements and ComEd's interconnection process. Get multiple detailed quotes, check reviews on trusted sites, and verify they offer robust warranties (25 years on panels, 10+ years on labor). A reputable local provider will offer a site assessment specific to your roof's orientation and local shading.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall). Regarding weather, panels are rated to withstand Manhattan's hail, high winds, and heavy snow. Installers use mounting systems engineered for local conditions, and your homeowner's insurance typically covers panels, but it's wise to confirm your policy details.