The Best Home Solar in Shipman, IL

Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Shipman, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

Straight Up Solar

4.8
(180 reviews)
Verified

A highly regarded, employee-owned company specializing in residential and commercial solar, battery storage, and EV charger installations. They are known for their expert design, quality workmanship, and deep knowledge of Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.

(Primary location serving the area) 119 N Sangamon Ave, Sherman, IL 62684

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Illinois Shines incentive program

Business Information

Years in Business:10 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

Sun Solar

4.4
(250 reviews)
Verified

A large regional installer with significant experience in the Midwest. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, often emphasizing their various financing and leasing options to make solar accessible.

(Springfield location serving Central IL) 2920 Mega Lane, Springfield, IL 62703

Specialties & Features

Solar financing and leasing options
Energy efficiency assessments
Grid-tied solar solutions

Business Information

Years in Business:12 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Rethink Electric, Inc.

4.9
(70 reviews)
Verified

A premier local electrical contractor that has expanded into a top-tier solar installer. They are praised for their high-quality custom installations, attention to detail, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems with battery backup.

48 Eastgate Dr, Chatham, IL 62629

Specialties & Features

Solar energy system design and consultation
Off-grid solar solutions
Professional licensing and electrical work

Business Information

Years in Business:8 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Shipman

** The home solar market in and around Shipman, Illinois, is served by a select group of high-quality regional and local installers rather than a high volume of national companies. The competition is moderate but of generally high quality, with companies competing on expertise, customer service, and local reputation rather than just price. **Average Quality:** The providers serving this area are typically well-established, professionally licensed, and have excellent customer review profiles. They are well-versed in the specific challenges and opportunities of the Illinois market. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of installers vying for business, the few that do serve the area are highly competent and reputable. This benefits the consumer by ensuring quality options without the confusion of an oversaturated market. **Typical Pricing:** For a standard residential grid-tied system without batteries, prices in Central Illinois generally range from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and state-level incentives. A typical 8 kW system would have a gross cost between $22,400 and $28,000. The availability of the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program) incentive can significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners, making the effective payback period highly attractive.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Shipman regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Shipman

Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Shipman, Illinois.

1What is the average cost of a home solar system in Shipman, and are there any Illinois-specific incentives to help pay for it?

For a typical home in Shipman, a residential solar system currently averages between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Adjustable Block Program, which provides an upfront payment for the estimated energy your system will produce. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%.

2How does Shipman's climate and weather affect solar panel production throughout the year?

Shipman's climate offers excellent solar potential with four distinct seasons. While production peaks in the long, sunny summer days, modern panels are efficient and will still generate significant power on cloudy days and during winter. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, often leading to strong production on clear, cold winter days.

3Do I need a permit from the Village of Shipman or Macoupin County to install solar panels?

Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Village of Shipman. Reputable local solar installers will typically manage this entire permitting process for you, ensuring the system design complies with all local building codes, zoning ordinances, and electrical standards. They will also handle the necessary interconnection agreement with Ameren Illinois, your local utility.

4What should I look for when choosing a solar installer serving the Shipman area?

Prioritize installers with strong local experience, proper Illinois licensing, and positive reviews from nearby customers. Ask for proof of work in Macoupin County and confirm they are familiar with Ameren Illinois's specific interconnection process. A trustworthy provider will offer a detailed, on-site assessment of your roof, explain local incentives clearly, and provide warranties that cover both equipment and workmanship for decades.

5I'm concerned about power outages. Will a standard solar panel installation keep my lights on in Shipman during a storm?

No, a standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a valuable consideration in our region, as it can provide essential power during severe weather outages. Your installer can design a system that includes battery backup from the start.