Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mattoon, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated provider specializing in custom residential solar installations. They are known for personalized service, in-depth knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives (like the Illinois Shines program), and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A leading regional solar installer based in Illinois and Missouri, known for its expertise and high-quality workmanship. They serve Central Illinois, including Mattoon, and are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance.
While primarily known as a painting company, the Champaign location has a dedicated and highly-rated solar division that serves Mattoon and the surrounding areas. They leverage their expertise in home exteriors to provide integrated solar solutions and are praised for their professionalism and customer service.
The home solar market in Mattoon, Illinois, is a developing one characterized by a handful of local specialists and robust service from established regional companies in nearby hubs like Champaign. The competition is moderate but growing, driven by increasing energy costs and strong state-level incentives like the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program), which provides significant monetary credits for generated solar power. The average quality of providers serving the area is high, with companies typically holding NABCEP certifications and offering premium equipment from manufacturers like Tesla, Generac, and Qcells. 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 state incentives, making solar an increasingly attractive investment for Mattoon homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mattoon regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mattoon, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Mattoon, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. The most significant savings come from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Illinois also offers a state-specific incentive: the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides upfront payments or performance-based credits over 15 years, significantly improving the payback period.
Solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures, so Mattoon's crisp, sunny winter days can yield strong production. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow. The long, sunny summer days provide the majority of your annual energy generation, making the overall climate very suitable for solar, with systems typically producing ample power year-round.
Prioritize local Illinois-based installers with strong experience navigating Ameren Illinois' interconnection process and the Illinois Shines program. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Illinois, and ask for references from recent installations in Coles County. A reputable local provider will understand Mattoon's specific roof types, wind/snow load requirements, and can provide personalized service and support long after installation.
From contract to activation, plan for 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Mattoon, approval from your utility (Ameren Illinois), and the physical installation, which usually takes 1-3 days. The most variable step is the utility interconnection agreement and meter swap, which Ameren Illinois typically completes within a few weeks after installation and inspection.
Illinois law requires Ameren Illinois to offer net metering for systems under 2,000 kW. Under this policy, your solar system sends excess power you generate back to the grid, spinning your meter backward and earning you a credit on your bill. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to bank excess summer production to offset higher usage in winter months, maximizing your system's financial benefit.