Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Speer, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightUp Solar is a leading regional, employee-owned solar installer known for its comprehensive service from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing ethical business practices and community focus. They have extensive experience with both residential and commercial projects and are well-versed in Illinois-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines program.
Hoot Solar is a trusted local installer based in Washington, IL, serving the Peoria metro area and surrounding communities. They pride themselves on personalized customer service, high-quality craftsmanship, and guiding homeowners through the entire process, including energy efficiency assessments to maximize savings. They are a full-service provider from design to repair.
While newer than the others, Rethink Electric has quickly built an exceptional reputation in Central Illinois for high-quality electrical and solar work. They offer a full suite of solar services and are particularly skilled at integrating modern solar and battery systems with existing home electrical panels. Their focus on customer education and transparent pricing is highly praised in reviews.
** The home solar market in and around Speer, Illinois, is characterized by a reliance on reputable regional installers from the Peoria metropolitan area. Due to Speer's rural nature and small size, there is no local competition within the village itself, but homeowners have access to a healthy selection of high-quality contractors from nearby cities. The competition among these regional providers is strong, driving a high standard of service quality, professional certifications (most hold NABCEP certification), and competitive pricing. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region generally falls between **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and state-specific incentives like the Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program), which can significantly reduce the net cost. Homeowners in Speer are served by rural electric cooperatives or Ameren Illinois, and all top installers are proficient in navigating the interconnection and net metering policies for these utilities. The market is mature, with providers offering robust warranties (often 25-year performance and product warranties) and a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, 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 Speer regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Speer, Illinois.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Speer, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Illinois offers strong state incentives, including the Illinois Shines program which provides a purchase rebate, and you remain eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Speer homeowners benefit from net metering with Ameren Illinois, allowing you to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Solar panels are very effective in Speer's climate. They generate the most energy during the long, sunny summer days, which often offsets higher usage from air conditioning. Importantly, cold winter temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and modern panels will still produce energy on cloudy days and from snow reflection, though at a reduced rate. Annual production is designed to account for all four seasons.
Installing solar in Speer requires compliance with local building codes and obtaining a permit from the Village of Speer. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process. Key regulations involve structural load requirements for your roof and electrical code compliance. The system must also be interconnected with and approved by Ameren Illinois, your local utility.
Look for Illinois-licensed, insured, and bonded installers with strong local experience. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read reviews from nearby homeowners in Stark County. Always get multiple detailed quotes and verify that the company will handle all Speer permitting, Ameren interconnection, and Illinois Shines paperwork. Local providers understand regional weather patterns and utility requirements best.
No, in Illinois, a home solar installation is exempt from property tax increases due to the state's solar rights law. For net metering with Ameren, you receive a credit on your bill for each kilowatt-hour you export to the grid, which is used to offset power you draw at night or in winter. Your credits roll over monthly, with an annual "true-up" settlement period.