Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Thompsonville, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
StraightUp Solar is a leading, employee-owned solar installer in the Midwest with a strong commitment to Illinois communities. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards of social and environmental performance. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing guidance, with deep expertise in Illinois-specific incentives like net metering.
Rethink Electric is a highly-rated local contractor specializing in both electrical and solar services for Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Metro East area. Their dual expertise ensures that electrical work and system integration are performed to the highest code standards. They provide personalized consultations and are known for their customer service and knowledge of both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
Sun Solar is a larger regional installer with a significant presence across Illinois and Missouri. They operate an office in Carbondale, making them one of the most locally accessible options for Southern Illinois residents. They offer a full suite of solar services, including installation, maintenance, and a strong focus on financing options to make solar accessible.
** The home solar market in Thompsonville, and Southern Illinois at large, is a developing but competitive field served primarily by regional specialists. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that succeed in this more rural market tend to be established, licensed, and certified professionals rather than transient national operations. Competition is moderate, which is beneficial for consumers as it encourages 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 equipment. The key financial driver in Illinois is the **Net Metering** policy, which credits solar owners for excess power sent to the grid. Combined with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the fact that Illinois has no state property tax on added home value from solar, the return on investment is strong. Providers in this region are generally well-versed in these incentives and can provide clear financial projections.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Thompsonville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Thompsonville, Illinois.
For a typical Thompsonville home, a 6-8 kW solar system can range from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Illinois offers strong incentives, including the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the energy you produce, and a state sales tax exemption on equipment. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost can be significantly reduced.
Thompsonville's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The ample sunny days in spring, summer, and fall produce significant energy, with peak production aligning well with higher summer air conditioning use, maximizing your savings.
Installing solar in Thompsonville requires compliance with local building and electrical codes. Your chosen installer will typically handle pulling the necessary permits from the Village of Thompsonville. Additionally, you must coordinate with your utility provider, likely Ameren Illinois, for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in the Thompsonville and Southern Illinois region. They should be familiar with Ameren Illinois's interconnection process, local building inspectors, and optimal system designs for our specific weather. Check for proper Illinois licensing (like an Electrical Contractor license), strong warranties, and reviews from nearby customers. Avoid out-of-state companies that may not understand local nuances.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage. Regarding net metering, Ameren Illinois credits you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, helping to offset your usage at night and during less sunny periods, like our cloudy winter days.