Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Normal, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, employee-owned company specializing in residential and commercial solar, battery storage, and EV charger installations. They are deeply knowledgeable about Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program (Adjustable Block Program) and serve the central Illinois area directly from their Peoria office. Their employee-owned model often translates to high customer care and meticulous workmanship.
A local contractor with a strong focus on the Peoria, Bloomington-Normal area. They receive consistent praise for their personalized service, clear communication, and professional installations. They offer comprehensive services from design and consultation through installation and are well-versed in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
As one of the largest residential solar companies in the U.S., Sunrun has a significant presence in Illinois. They are a primary provider of solar leasing and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. They manage all aspects in-house, from design to maintenance, and offer a strong national warranty.
** The home solar market in Normal, Illinois, is robust and competitive, benefiting from strong state-level incentives. The **Illinois Shines** program provides substantial buyback credits that significantly improve the return on investment for homeowners. The market features a healthy mix: national players like **Sunrun** offer brand recognition and flexible financing, while respected regional specialists like **Straight Up Solar** and **CertaSolar** provide localized expertise and highly personalized service. The overall quality of providers is high, with most holding necessary NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers like Tesla, Enphase, and LG. Competition is moderate to high, which keeps pricing competitive. The typical cost for a residential system in Normal, before the 30% federal tax credit, ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000**, depending on system size (typically 6kW to 10kW) and equipment choices. The combination of the federal tax credit and the Illinois Shines incentive makes solar an increasingly attractive and financially viable option for homeowners in the area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Normal regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Normal, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Normal, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal tax credit, and Illinois offers a unique state incentive: the Adjustable Block Program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that pay you for the energy your system produces over 15 years, significantly improving payback. Additionally, Normal residents benefit from net metering with Ameren Illinois, crediting you for excess power sent to the grid.
Normal experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and colder, cloudier winters. Solar production peaks from May to August, while shorter days and snow cover can reduce winter output by 50-60%. However, panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and modern systems are designed to handle snow, which often slides off angled panels. The annual average of sunny days still makes Normal highly viable for solar, with systems optimized for our specific latitude.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Normal and Bloomington. They should understand Ameren Illinois's interconnection process, McLean County permitting requirements, and local roof styles (common to Midwest housing). Check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews, and ask for references from recent projects in the area to ensure they navigate our specific climate and regulations effectively.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Town of Normal's Inspection Department. A reputable local installer will typically manage this entire process for you. The permit ensures your system meets the Illinois State Plumbing Code and the National Electrical Code (NEC), as well as local zoning ordinances regarding setbacks and roof mounting. There are no unusual local restrictions, but proper permitting is mandatory for safety and grid interconnection.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup. For Normal's frequent thunderstorms and severe weather, panels are rated to withstand hail and high winds (typically up to 140 mph). While production stops during heavy cloud cover or outages, a battery system can provide critical backup. It's a worthwhile consideration given Central Illinois's storm patterns.