Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Piasa, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightUp Solar is a highly respected, employee-owned company known for its comprehensive service from consultation to installation and maintenance. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing ethical business and environmental responsibility. They have deep expertise in Illinois-specific incentives and offer robust financing options.
Sun Solar is a large regional installer with a significant presence in the Midwest. They are known for their strong manufacturer partnerships and comprehensive in-house services, including their own monitoring platform. They offer a full suite of services from energy assessments to system design and maintenance.
While based in St. Louis, Rethink Electric serves the entire Metro-East area and has built an exceptional reputation for quality and customer service. They specialize in high-end residential installations and are experts in integrating battery storage systems (like Tesla Powerwall) for energy independence and backup power.
** The home solar market in and around Piasa, Illinois, is served by a competitive field of high-quality regional installers rather than local, single-city operations. The market is characterized by strong professionalism, with companies holding necessary Illinois licensing and certifications (like NABCEP). Competition is healthy, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, but the overall cost is significantly offset by the Illinois Shines solar incentive program (which these top providers are all experts in navigating), the 30% federal tax credit, and net metering policies from local utilities. Homeowners in Piasa can expect to engage with established, reputable companies that provide comprehensive services from initial consultation to long-term maintenance.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Piasa regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Piasa, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the Piasa area, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides a significant upfront incentive. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this can reduce your net cost by 50% or more, making solar very affordable.
Piasa experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and colder, cloudier winters. Your system will produce the most energy from late spring through early fall. While winter production is lower, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and snowfall typically melts quickly off angled panels. The annual average of about 200 sunny days provides excellent overall production, with systems designed to meet your annual needs based on this climate.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience, as they understand Madison County permitting, Ameren Illinois interconnection procedures, and optimal roof designs for our weather. Verify they are certified (e.g., NABCEP) and licensed in Illinois. Always request references from recent local installations and confirm they handle the entire Illinois Shines incentive paperwork, as this is a critical step for your financial return.
Ameren Illinois offers full retail net metering for residential solar customers. This means any excess energy your system sends to the grid during sunny hours earns you a credit at the full retail rate, which is then applied to offset your usage at night or on cloudy days. Credits roll over monthly, with an annual "true-up" settlement. This policy maximizes your savings and is a key benefit of going solar in Illinois.
Yes, solar panels installed by reputable companies are rigorously tested and rated to withstand hail up to 1 inch in diameter at high speed, which exceeds typical Midwestern storm conditions. They are also built to handle high wind loads. Your system will be included in your homeowner's insurance policy, and most come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty that specifically covers such weather-related performance and durability issues.