Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Pekin, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Illinois company specializing in residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives (like SRECs), and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A rapidly growing regional installer with a strong presence in the Midwest. Sunbadger is recognized for its streamlined process, strong manufacturer partnerships (e.g., Qcells, Enphase), and comprehensive service offerings including roofing, which is often a key consideration for solar projects.
A premier local electrical and solar contractor based in Peoria, serving the greater Tri-County area including Pekin. They have built an exceptional reputation for high-quality electrical work and have expanded into expert solar and battery installation, particularly with Tesla Powerwall systems.
** The home solar market in Pekin, Illinois, is a developing but competitive space characterized by high-quality regional and local installers rather than a high volume of national chains. The market quality is generally high, as the companies that operate here have established strong reputations through word-of-mouth and local advertising. Pekin residents benefit from Illinois state incentives, primarily the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which all top providers are well-versed in. Competition is moderate but robust among the key players, who differentiate themselves on customer service, local expertise, and specific technology partnerships (e.g., Tesla Powerwall). 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, depending on system size, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available through these providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Pekin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Pekin, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Pekin, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Illinois also offers a unique state incentive: the Illinois Shines program, which provides Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can pay you thousands of dollars over the system's life, acting as an upfront rebate. Local Pekin installers can provide detailed quotes that factor in these savings and your specific energy usage.
Pekin's climate is actually favorable for solar, with ample summer sun for high production and cold, clear winter days that improve panel efficiency. While snow cover in January or February can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and any minor winter reduction is offset by strong spring and summer generation. The key metric is annual sunlight hours, and central Illinois receives enough to make solar highly viable, with systems designed to produce more in summer to offset higher air conditioning costs.
Installing solar in Pekin requires a building permit from the City of Pekin Community Development Department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process, ensuring the system meets all local building and electrical codes. Additionally, you must coordinate with Ameren Illinois, the local utility, for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Look for installers licensed in Illinois with strong local experience in Tazewell County. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read reviews on local platforms. Ask for references from recent Pekin installations and verify they handle all local permitting and Ameren Illinois interconnection paperwork. A reputable provider will perform a detailed site assessment, explain the Illinois Shines incentive clearly, and not use high-pressure sales tactics.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For hail resistance, most panels installed today are rated to withstand hail up to 1 inch in diameter at high speed, which exceeds typical Illinois storm severity. Your installer will ensure the mounting system is rated for local wind loads. It's also wise to review your homeowner's insurance policy, as solar panels are generally covered, but confirming this provides peace of mind.