11 Best Solar Companies in Auburn, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Auburn based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Auburn, IL
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Auburn homeowner saves $1,274/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Auburn

On the hunt for the best solar companies in Auburn? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Since Auburn is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.

The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly depending on your home's infrastructure and your overall energy requirements. To get an idea of what it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Auburn

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Solar Financing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Blue Raven Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Doesn't offer solar batteries

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://blueravensolar.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Prairie Power Inc

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.ppi.coop/
Address: 3130 Pleasant Run, Springfield, IL 62711
Phone: 2172456161
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Springfield Sunsent Solar Installation Company

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sunsent.com/
Address: 520 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 2178597080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EFS Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.efsenergy.com/contact/
Address: 920 S Spring St Suite 2600, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 2179939801
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Route 66 Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://route66solar.com/
Address: 1 W Old State Capitol Plaza Suite 505, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 2176526533
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://windsolarusa.com/
Address: 104 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 2178254206

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Auburn

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Auburn based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Auburn


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Auburn

For lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar energy boils down to the cost. Some important factors that dictate the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time include:

  • Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your energy bills, which can generate an average of $15,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Auburn gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
  • How much you spend on energy: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Auburn, you can save an average of $83 a month on your electricity bills.
  • The type and model of solar panels you want: Some cost more, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.

So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to decrease your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Auburn homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Auburn

Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over several years due to reduced utility bills and government incentives. State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Auburn

Going solar can have a positive effect on the environment. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? If your home uses a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Auburn, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Auburn?

The top local solar company in Auburn is Mobius Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels really good for the environment?

Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How efficient is a solar panel system?

For the most part, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the sun's energy into usable electricity.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.