Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Smithfield, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightUp Solar is a highly-rated, employee-owned company based in Peoria and St. Louis. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a strong commitment to social and environmental performance. They are known for their comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, with deep expertise in local incentive programs.
A family-owned business that has been a leader in Central Illinois solar for over a decade. They emphasize custom design and high-quality craftsmanship. Their team is well-versed in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and offers robust maintenance and repair services to ensure long-term system performance.
A locally-owned and operated electrical contractor that has expanded into a premier solar installer. Being a full-service electrical company gives them a distinct advantage in system integration, electrical code compliance, and troubleshooting. They offer personalized service and energy efficiency assessments.
** The home solar market in and around Smithfield, Illinois, is characteristic of a rural Midwestern community. The market is not saturated with hyper-local competition but is well-served by established regional providers from Peoria, Bloomington, and Canton. These companies are highly competitive and bring professional-grade services to the area. The average quality of service is high, as these providers hold necessary state licensing (as required by the Illinois Commerce Commission), certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Panasonic, and maintain strong reputations built over many years. Competition is robust among these regional players, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in Illinois ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and complexity. The state's net metering policy and the availability of federal tax credits (currently 30%) make solar a financially viable option for many homeowners. Providers in this region are generally very knowledgeable about these incentives and financing options, including in-house loans and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Smithfield regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Smithfield, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Smithfield, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and Illinois' strong state incentives, including the Illinois Shines program (also known as the Adjustable Block Program), which provides a monetary credit for the renewable energy your system produces. This combination significantly reduces the net cost, and many Smithfield homeowners see a payback period of 8-12 years.
Smithfield's climate offers excellent solar potential with four distinct seasons. While summer provides the most peak sun hours for maximum production, solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures. Winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, but panels will still generate power on clear days, and snow usually melts and slides off angled panels quickly. The annual average is very favorable for solar energy generation.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Village of Smithfield, which your qualified installer will typically handle. The most critical step is interconnection approval from Ameren Illinois, your local utility. They have specific requirements for system safety and equipment, and the process to get your system officially connected to the grid and enrolled in net metering is managed through their application portal.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have proven experience with Ameren Illinois's interconnection process. Look for companies that are certified by major manufacturers (like SunPower or Panasonic) and, most importantly, are approved vendors for the Illinois Shines program to ensure you receive your state credits. Ask for local references in McDonough or Fulton counties to verify their work quality and customer service.
Modern solar panels are extremely durable, rated to withstand hail and high winds common in Illinois storms. However, for safety reasons, standard grid-tied systems automatically shut down during a utility power outage, even if the sun is shining. To have power during an outage, you must install a dedicated solar battery backup system (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell), which is an additional investment but provides critical energy security for your home.