Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mount Sterling, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based in the immediate region. They specialize in comprehensive renewable energy solutions with a strong focus on customer service and quality craftsmanship for residential and agricultural properties. Their local presence ensures strong knowledge of Mount Sterling's specific needs, permitting, and incentives.
A well-established regional installer with a strong track record across the Midwest, including Illinois. They offer end-to-end service from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They are known for their expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems and have strong manufacturer partnerships.
A larger, multi-state solar provider headquartered in Springfield, IL, giving them significant reach across central Illinois. They are a high-volume installer that emphasizes making solar accessible through various financing options and leasing programs. They provide robust warranties and have a dedicated service and maintenance department.
** The home solar market in Mount Sterling, IL, is characteristic of a smaller rural community. There are no major national installers (e.g., Sunrun, Tesla) with a physical local office within the city itself. Instead, the market is served by a combination of a highly reputable local business (Rader's) and established regional players (Tiger Solar, Sun Solar) who actively service a wide radius from their base locations. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While the number of physical storefronts in Mount Sterling is low, competition for projects exists among these quality regional providers. This benefits the consumer as companies must compete on service, price, and local reputation. **Average Quality:** High. The companies serving this area are not fly-by-night operations; they are established, licensed, and insured contractors with verifiable track records and numerous positive customer reviews, indicating a market that values quality and reliability. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with state and national averages. For a standard residential system (6kW - 10kW), homeowners can expect a gross cost between **$18,000 and $35,000** before applying the **30% federal tax credit** and any other local incentives. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. All top providers are well-versed in Illinois-specific incentives and financing.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mount Sterling regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mount Sterling, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Mount Sterling, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois offers significant incentives, including the Illinois Shines program (which provides a monetary "REC" payment for the energy your system produces) and a state sales tax exemption on equipment. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these can reduce your net cost by 50% or more, making solar very affordable.
Mount Sterling experiences all four seasons, which impacts solar production. You'll generate the most energy during long, sunny summer days, while shorter, cloudier winter days yield less. Importantly, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures, so a clear, cold winter day can still produce good output. Snow will temporarily reduce production, but panels are installed at an angle, and their dark surface helps snow melt and slide off relatively quickly.
Yes, you will need a building and electrical permit from the Mount Sterling city building department. A reputable local installer will typically handle this entire process for you. Mount Sterling does not have overly restrictive ordinances against solar, but there may be guidelines related to roof setbacks or visibility from the street in certain historic districts, which your installer will navigate.
Look for providers with strong local experience in West-Central Illinois. They will understand the specific permitting process, utility interconnection with Ameren Illinois, and optimal system designs for our weather. Essential steps include verifying they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Illinois; checking reviews and asking for local references in Brown County; and ensuring they provide a detailed production estimate specific to your home's roof orientation and shading.
Ameren Illinois offers full retail net metering. This means any excess solar energy you send to the grid earns you a credit on your bill at the same rate you pay for electricity, effectively rolling over month-to-month. It's important to know that a standard grid-tied solar system will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. To have backup power, you must invest in an additional battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar.