Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ohio, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional and national solar installer known for high-quality residential installations and strong customer service. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, with a focus on making solar accessible through various financing options. Their partnership with top-tier manufacturers ensures robust system performance and long warranties.
A highly-rated local installer focused on central Illinois. Rethink Electric emphasizes custom solar energy system design and education, ensuring homeowners understand their system and its benefits. They are experts in navigating Illinois-specific incentives like net metering and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs).
A trusted local contractor that has expanded into solar installations, leveraging its longstanding reputation for quality home services in the Peoria area. They offer a full suite of solar services, including ongoing maintenance and cleaning, which is a key differentiator for long-term system health.
** The home solar market in the Ohio, Illinois region is served by reputable installers based primarily in the Peoria metropolitan area, approximately a 30-45 minute drive away. The market is moderately competitive, with several established local and regional players vying for business. The overall quality of providers is high, with many holding certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Qcells, as well as industry credentials like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Illinois offers favorable conditions for solar, driven by strong state-level incentives like the Illinois Shines program (which provides payments for the solar energy produced) and net metering policies. Typical pricing for a residential system in this region ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size and equipment quality. Financing is widely available, with loan and lease options being common, making solar accessible without large upfront costs. Homeowners in small towns like Ohio are considered a key part of the market for these regional installers. ***Disclaimer:*** *While this information is based on real companies and thorough research, it is always crucial for homeowners to conduct their own due diligence. This includes obtaining multiple quotes, verifying current licenses and insurance directly with the provider, and reading the most recent customer reviews before making a financial decision.*
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ohio regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ohio, Illinois.
In Ohio, Illinois, a typical residential solar system costs between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and Illinois offers a strong additional incentive through its Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which can provide significant long-term savings. Ohio's net metering policies also help ensure you get credit for excess energy sent back to the grid, improving the overall financial return.
Solar panels are very effective in Ohio and Illinois; they generate power from daylight, not just direct sunlight, and perform well in cold temperatures. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, the region enjoys ample sunny days in spring, summer, and fall, resulting in strong annual production. Modern panels are also designed to shed snow relatively quickly, and systems are often angled to help with this process.
Prioritize local, licensed installers with extensive experience in both Ohio and Illinois, as they will be experts in navigating specific utility interconnection rules, local building codes, and permit requirements for each area. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read verified customer reviews, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to our regional weather patterns. A reputable provider will also handle all SREC program registration in Illinois for you.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months in our region. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from your local municipality and approval from your utility company (like Ameren Illinois or AEP Ohio), the physical installation (which takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility interconnection. Seasonal weather can sometimes cause minor delays, especially for roof work in winter.
No, in both states, a residential solar installation will not increase your property tax assessment. Illinois has a property tax assessment freeze for solar energy systems, and Ohio exempts the added value of a solar system from property taxation. This is a key financial benefit that protects your investment and ensures the savings from your solar panels are not offset by higher tax bills.