The Best Home Solar in Matherville, IL

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

#1

Sun Badger Solar

4.8
(180 reviews)
Verified

A leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in the Quad Cities and Illinois. Known for comprehensive in-house services from design to installation and maintenance. They are recognized for their expertise in navigating Illinois-specific incentives and offering robust financing options.

4600 44th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (This is their primary service center for the IL side of the Quad Cities)

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Solar financing and leasing options

Business Information

Years in Business:12 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

Rabe Hardware & Solar

4.7
(90 reviews)
Verified

A unique, long-standing local business that has successfully expanded from traditional hardware into specialized solar services. Their deep community roots in the region provide a high level of trust and customer service. They offer personalized consultations and energy efficiency assessments.

201 1st Avenue West, Milan, IL 61264

Specialties & Features

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

Business Information

Years in Business:45 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

StraightUp Solar

4.6
(250 reviews)
Verified

A certified B-Corporation and a prominent installer in Illinois and Missouri, known for a strong commitment to quality and education. They are experts in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and are a certified installer for top-tier equipment like Tesla Powerwall.

119 S 1st St, Columbia, IL 62236 (While based further south, they have a significant project footprint across central and western Illinois, including the Quad Cities region)

Specialties & Features

Grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions
Battery storage system installation
Solar panel maintenance and repair

Business Information

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

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Matherville

The home solar market in Matherville, and Mercer County at large, is best characterized as a developing market served by high-quality regional contractors. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are no solar companies physically headquartered within Matherville itself. Homeowners rely on established providers from the Quad Cities metropolitan area, approximately a 30-45 minute drive away. The competition level is moderate but features several highly reputable, long-standing companies. The average quality of service is high, as these regional leaders have built their reputations on professional installations and customer satisfaction. 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 and any applicable Illinois state incentives (like the Illinois Shines program). These installers are well-versed in these financial incentives, which significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners. The market is seeing growing interest due to rising electricity costs and increased awareness of state-level solar programs.

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 Matherville regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Matherville

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

1What is the typical cost of a home solar system in Matherville, and are there any Illinois-specific incentives to help pay for it?

For a typical Matherville home, a 6-8 kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Illinois offers excellent incentives, including a state-wide Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program that provides significant long-term payments, and a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is substantially reduced, often by 40-50%.

2How does Matherville's climate, with its cold winters and sunny summers, affect solar panel production?

Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so Matherville's crisp, sunny winter days can yield strong production. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, the abundant sunshine in spring, summer, and fall more than compensates. Annually, Illinois receives ample sunlight for effective solar generation, and panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow.

3What local permits and approvals are required for installing solar panels on my home in Matherville?

Installation requires a building permit from the Village of Matherville. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Importantly, you must also submit an interconnection application to your utility provider (likely MidAmerican Energy or Ameren Illinois, depending on your location) to connect your system to the grid and qualify for net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.

4How do I choose a reputable solar provider in the Matherville area?

Look for providers licensed in Illinois with strong local experience in the Quad Cities/Rock Island County region. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from recent installations in Matherville or nearby towns like Reynolds or Aledo, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to our local weather patterns and your roof's orientation.

5As a homeowner in Matherville, what should I know about net metering and how it works with my utility?

Net metering is a major benefit in Illinois. When your panels produce more electricity than your home uses (often on sunny summer days), the excess is sent to the grid, and your meter runs backward, building a credit. At night or during cloudy periods, you draw power from the grid, using those credits. Both MidAmerican Energy and Ameren Illinois offer net metering programs, effectively using the grid as a battery and significantly lowering your annual electric bill.