Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in New Athens, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local and employee-owned solar installer serving Illinois and Missouri. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from design and installation to maintenance, and have deep expertise in local incentive programs. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
A well-established regional installer with a significant presence in the Midwest. They offer a full suite of solar services, including robust financing options and energy efficiency assessments. Their large volume often translates to strong manufacturer partnerships and competitive pricing.
A highly-rated, customer-focused electrical and solar contractor based in the St. Louis Metro-East area. They specialize in high-quality, custom residential solar installations and are experts in integrating advanced battery storage systems like Tesla Powerwall. Their smaller size often allows for highly personalized service.
** The home solar market in and around New Athens, Illinois, is part of the broader and growing St. Louis Metro-East solar industry. The market is characterized by a moderate level of competition, primarily from established regional installers rather than national corporations, which often leads to more personalized service. The average quality of providers is high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP) and boasting excellent customer review profiles. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $30,000** for an average-sized system (6-10 kW). However, the final cost is significantly offset by the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) and Illinois's specific net metering policies. Providers in this region are generally well-versed in these financial incentives and offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible for a wide range of 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 New Athens regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in New Athens, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in New Athens, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). While Illinois' state rebate program is currently exhausted, homeowners should check with Ameren Illinois for any local utility incentives and explore property tax assessments, as Illinois has a favorable solar property tax exemption.
New Athens experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Solar production peaks in sunny summer months, generating significant power for air conditioning. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and Illinois' net metering policy credits you for excess summer generation to offset winter usage.
Installation requires a building permit from the Village of New Athens. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Key local considerations include adhering to any village-specific zoning or aesthetic guidelines and ensuring compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC). Additionally, interconnection approval from Ameren Illinois is mandatory before your system can send power back to the grid.
Prioritize local or regional Illinois-based installers with strong experience in the Metro-East and St. Louis region. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Illinois. Ask for references from recent installations in St. Clair or surrounding counties and confirm they handle all local permitting and Ameren interconnection paperwork. Checking reviews on trusted platforms is also essential.
Yes, modern solar panels sold by reputable installers are rigorously tested and rated to withstand hail up to 1 inch in diameter at high speeds, which exceeds typical Midwestern storm severity. They are also designed to handle heavy snow loads. Your homeowner's insurance policy typically covers solar panels, but you should confirm this with your provider, as they are considered a permanent attachment to your roof.