Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Putnam, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are highly praised for their personalized customer service, in-depth knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives, and seamless installation process from consultation to activation.
A dedicated solar contractor serving Central and Northern Illinois. They focus on providing comprehensive energy assessments and designing high-efficiency systems tailored to reduce homeowners' electricity bills significantly. They are a SunPower dealer, offering premium equipment.
CertaSolar operates across multiple states, including Illinois, and has a strong reputation for professional installations and robust warranty offerings. They provide a full suite of services from financing to maintenance and work with top-tier manufacturers like LG and Panasonic.
** The home solar market in Putnam, Illinois, and its surrounding rural areas is characterized by a reliance on reputable regional installers rather than local in-town businesses. Due to Putnam's small size and rural location, the competition is not dense within the village itself, but homeowners have access to several high-quality providers from nearby commercial hubs like Peru, Peoria, and the Chicagoland area. These companies are experienced in serving rural properties and are well-versed in the specific considerations for such installations, including grid-tied systems with net metering through local utilities. The average quality of service is high, as these established companies rely on strong reputations and word-of-mouth in smaller communities. Typical pricing for a residential system in Illinois is competitive, often ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000** before the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently covers 30% of the system cost. The state's net metering policy and the availability of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) make solar a financially attractive investment for homeowners in the region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Putnam regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Putnam, Illinois.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Putnam County, 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 does not have a statewide property tax exemption for solar, the state's Adjustable Block Program (Solar Renewable Energy Credits or SRECs) provides upfront rebates that significantly lower the net cost, making systems very affordable.
Putnam County experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers ideal for peak production and snowy winters that can temporarily reduce output. Modern panels are efficient even on cloudy days, and Illinois's net metering policies ensure you get full credit for excess summer energy to offset winter usage. Light snow usually melts quickly off panels, but occasional heavy snow may require gentle clearing to maintain winter generation.
Installation requires a building permit from Putnam County or your local municipality, ensuring the system meets Illinois building and electrical codes. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. You must also coordinate with your utility provider (like Ameren Illinois) for interconnection approval, which is mandated by state law to connect your system safely to the grid.
Look for Illinois-licensed, bonded, and insured installers with specific experience in Putnam County's requirements. Check reviews and ask for local references to see past work. A trustworthy provider will offer a detailed production estimate for your home's specific orientation and shading, and clearly explain the state SREC program, net metering, and warranty details.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a battery backup. For severe weather common in Illinois, such as hail and high winds, panels are rigorously tested and rated to withstand these conditions. Most carry warranties protecting against performance loss and physical damage from hail up to 1 inch in diameter and winds over 140 mph.