The Best Home Solar in Washington, IL

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

#1

Sun Badger Solar

4.8
(180 reviews)
Verified

A nationally recognized, full-service solar installer with a strong local presence in Illinois. They are known for a comprehensive, in-house process that handles everything from initial design and permitting to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

1903 Washington Rd, Washington, IL 61571

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Solar financing and leasing options

Business Information

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

StraightUp Solar

4.7
(250 reviews)
Verified

A leading Illinois-based, employee-owned company specializing in solar and battery storage. They are highly regarded for their expertise in local incentive programs and their commitment to the community. They serve the Washington area from their Peoria location.

7915 N Hale Ave, Peoria, IL 61615 (Serves Washington, IL)

Specialties & Features

Solar energy system design and consultation
Grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions
Energy efficiency assessments

Business Information

Years in Business:10 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Rethink Electric

4.9
(90 reviews)
Verified

A highly-rated local contractor based in Morton that specializes in both electrical and solar services. Their dual expertise ensures high-quality electrical integration for solar and battery systems, and they are known for personalized customer service.

1903 S Main St, Morton, IL 61550 (Serves Washington, IL)

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Solar panel maintenance and repair
Battery storage system installation

Business Information

Years in Business:5 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Washington

The home solar market in Washington, Illinois, is active and growing, fueled by state-level incentives like solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) and net metering, alongside the declining cost of solar technology. The market quality is generally high, with several reputable, certified installers serving the area from Washington itself and the broader Peoria metro region. Competition is moderate but robust, with companies competing on service quality, local expertise, and knowledge of financing options rather than just price. Typical pricing for a residential system in this region is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000** for a standard 6kW to 10kW system before the 30% federal tax credit and other applicable state incentives. Homeowners are increasingly interested in pairing solar with battery storage for energy resilience.

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 Washington regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Washington

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

1How much does a home solar system typically cost in Washington, IL, and are there any local incentives?

For a typical 6kW system in Washington, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Crucially, Illinois homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program through the Illinois Shines program, which provides a significant upfront incentive. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this can reduce the net cost by 50% or more, making solar very affordable.

2How does Washington's climate, with its snowy winters and seasonal storms, affect solar panel performance and durability?

Modern solar panels are tested to withstand Washington's hail and heavy snow loads. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and they still generate power on cold, clear days. Our four-season climate actually provides excellent spring and summer sun, and annual production is more than sufficient to offset year-round energy use.

3What is the process and timeline for getting solar installed on my home in Washington, from signing a contract to turning the system on?

The full process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After system design and signing, your provider handles permits with the City of Washington, submits interconnection paperwork to Ameren Illinois, and schedules installation, which takes 1-3 days. The final step is inspection by the city and approval from Ameren to "go live." A reputable local installer will manage this entire timeline for you.

4What should I look for when choosing a solar installer serving the Washington, IL area?

Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have proven experience with Washington's specific building codes and Ameren Illinois interconnection process. Look for established local or regional companies with strong references in Tazewell County. They should provide a detailed production estimate specific to your roof's orientation and Washington's weather patterns, and offer robust warranties.

5As a Washington homeowner with Ameren Illinois, how does net metering work and what happens to my power during an outage?

Illinois state law mandates net metering for Ameren customers. Your system sends excess power to the grid, spinning your meter backward and earning you a credit on your bill. Importantly, a standard grid-tied system will shut off during a power outage for safety. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery system, which is an increasingly popular add-on for Washington homeowners.