Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Tennessee, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated provider based in Macomb, specializing in custom residential solar solutions. They are known for personalized customer service, in-depth consultations, and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation. Their strong local presence ensures they are well-versed in specific regional incentives and utility requirements.
A well-established electrical and solar contractor serving Western Illinois from their base in Quincy. They bring a strong background in electrical work to their solar installations, ensuring systems are integrated safely and efficiently with home electrical panels. They are a certified installer for major equipment manufacturers.
A leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in Illinois and Missouri. While based further away, they actively serve a wide area and are recognized for their expertise and high-quality installations. They offer comprehensive services, including robust maintenance and repair plans, and are particularly skilled with complex roof types and battery backup systems.
** The home solar market in and around Tennessee, Illinois, is characteristic of a rural and small-town region. The competition is moderate, with a handful of highly qualified regional providers dominating the service area rather than large national corporations. This often results in more personalized service and local expertise. The average quality of providers is high, as the companies that succeed in this market tend to be established, licensed electrical or construction contractors with strong community reputations. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. The key driver for adoption in this area is the combination of the **30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)**, which significantly reduces the net cost, and the **Illinois Shines** (Adjustable Block Program), which provides additional monetary incentives based on the energy production of the installed system. Knowledgeable local installers are essential for navigating these incentive programs successfully.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Tennessee regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Tennessee, Illinois.
In Tennessee, IL, a typical residential solar system (6-8 kW) costs between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Illinois offers excellent state-specific incentives, including the Illinois Shines program which provides purchase rebates, and net metering is mandated statewide. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 50% or more.
Illinois has four distinct seasons, which impacts solar production. Summer offers the most sun and highest output, while shorter, cloudier winter days produce less. Importantly, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures, so spring and fall can be very productive. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help it slide off, and they often melt snow faster than your roof.
Prioritize local Illinois installers with strong experience in the region's specific permitting and interconnection processes (like with Ameren Illinois). Check for proper licensing (Illinois requires a roofing license for installers), read local reviews, and ask for references from nearby projects. A reputable local provider will understand the area's weather patterns and utility requirements intimately.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months in Illinois. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from your local city/county, approval from your utility (Ameren Illinois) for interconnection, the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility permission to operate (PTO). Seasonal demand can slightly affect scheduling.
Illinois has strong net metering rules, meaning your utility (Ameren Illinois) credits you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid, effectively spinning your meter backward. However, standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery system, which is an additional investment but provides security during severe Midwestern storms.